KIGALI — Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, have made an impressive start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, winning their opening two matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.
Amavubi began their campaign at Amahoro Stadium on September 25 with a convincing 3–1 victory over Liberia. Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring early before Leroy-Jacques Mickels added a second. Liberia pulled one goal back, but Joy-Lance Mickels restored Rwanda’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot before halftime. 
Abeddy Biramahire Score first goal
Leroy Jacques Mickels Score Second Goal
Joy Lance Mickels Score Third goal
Four days later, Rwanda produced another
strong performance, this time away from home.
Amavubi Squad Played Against Cape Verd
Playing against Cape Verde in Praia on September 29, Amavubi fell behind after Gilson Tavares scored in the 40th minute.
Gilson Tavares Score goal for Cape verde
Instead of losing confidence, Rwanda responded immediately. Claude Niyomugabo equalised in stoppage time before substitute Elie Iradukunda scored in the 52nd minute to complete a 2–1 comeback victory.
Niyomugabo Cloude Score first goal against Cape verde
Iradukunda Elie Tatou Score Winning Goal
The two results have highlighted qualities that Rwanda will need throughout the qualifying campaign: resilience, discipline, teamwork and the ability to respond under pressure.
The victory in Cape Verde was particularly significant because Rwanda had to recover after conceding first and then protect their lead away from home. Coach Stephen Constantine praised the players’ reaction, saying their response showed the character and belief developing within the team.
Stephanie Constantine Amavubi Coach
Constantine has also said that “the revolution has begun,” while making clear that Rwanda still have work to do before they can consider themselves a major team. He stressed that qualification cannot be judged after only two matches and called on the players to remain focused and continue improving.
With six points from two matches, Amavubi have given their supporters an encouraging start and moved to the top of Group K on goal difference.
Amavubi Coaching Staff
Their next major challenge will come in November when they face Mali.
For now, Rwanda’s back-to-back victories have created renewed confidence around the national team. The results do not guarantee qualification, but they show a side capable of winning at home, fighting back from behind and collecting important points away from home.
Yes