Dawn FC have been topped 2025/26 Second Division League champions after defeating Etoile de l’Est 2-1 within the ultimate playoff match performed on Saturday at Ngoma Stadium.
The Nyagatare-based aspect secured promotion to the BK Professional League alongside Unity FC, who completed second regardless of being held to a irritating goalless draw by Intare FC, the bottom-placed group within the playoff event.
Heading into the ultimate day, Dawn FC led the standings with 10 factors, adopted by Unity FC with 9 and Etoile de l’Est with 7. With all three sides nonetheless in rivalry for the title, the Rwanda Soccer Federation (FERWAFA) ready championship podiums at each Ngoma Stadium and Bugesera Stadium.
Dawn FC finally emerged victorious after edging archrivals Etoile de l’Est in an intense Jap Province derby, a end result that sealed the title for the membership and ended Etoile’s hopes of both profitable the championship or securing promotion to the highest flight.
Unity FC, in the meantime, earned promotion to the BK Professional League for the primary time within the membership’s historical past after their stalemate in opposition to Intare FC in Nyamata proved sufficient to safe second place.
Dawn FC dominated possession within the opening half and made their superiority depend with two decisive targets. Kalu Daniel Ikpo opened the scoring within the sixth minute, capitalizing on a well-delivered free kick that prompted confusion within the Etoile de l’Est protection. Joel Emmanuel equalized within the twenty first minute, however Ikpo restored Dawn’s lead within the thirty fifth minute after dribbling previous two defenders and calmly sending goalkeeper Bonheur Kabera the unsuitable approach.
Within the different playoff fixture, a resilient Intare FC aspect held Unity FC to a 0-0 draw at Bugesera Stadium. Regardless of dropping factors, Unity FC booked their place within the high tier after ending second within the standings.
The Second Division champions obtained a prize of Rwf25 million, whereas the runners-up took dwelling Rwf20 million.
Prize cash was additionally awarded to the remaining top-eight groups, with the fifth-placed aspect incomes Rwf11 million, sixth place receiving Rwf9 million, seventh place Rwf7 million, and eighth place Rwf5 million.
