Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, celebrated an important victory after defeating Cape Verde in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The hard-fought match was played in Praia, Cape Verde, on the evening of September 29, 2026. Few expected Rwanda to secure a positive result against a Cape Verde side playing its first home match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who delivered a strong performance despite appearing to suffer a thigh injury during the match, said the victory was driven by the team’s determination to qualify for AFCON 2027.
“We have a goal as players. What I know is that we have to qualify for AFCON. If we have started by winning away from home, it is a sign that we can achieve it. Rwandans should continue supporting us, and we will do our part,” Ntwari said.
Niyomugabo Claude, who scored Rwanda’s opening goal, thanked God for helping the team secure the victory. His girlfriend, Umutoni Nadia, had also publicly expressed her prayers for his success before the match.
“We were helped by following the coach’s instructions. He gave us confidence and told us that everything was possible, including taking all three points here. God has helped us, and we are going home with three points,” Niyomugabo said.
Striker Leroy-Jacques Mickels, who has quickly become a popular figure among Rwandan fans, said the victory demonstrated what Rwanda is capable of achieving despite doubts from some observers.
“We knew we had to win because everyone was saying Rwanda is a small country. But we showed that Rwanda is a big country and that we are a strong team. This is just the beginning. Thank you for your support. Wait until we get to Kigali and have a big celebration,” Mickels said.
Amavubi head coach Stephen Constantine also reiterated his determination to lead Rwanda to the Africa Cup of Nations, a goal he had pursued during his previous spell as the team’s coach between 2014 and 2015.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Sports and FERWAFA because they have helped me do what I need to do. I cannot do this alone. I do not accept that Rwanda has gone 22 years without qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations. When I was last here 11 years ago, we qualified, but it was taken away from us under circumstances that did not make sense,” Constantine said.
“Six months ago, I told Rwandans that I had unfinished business. Now look where we are. We have won two matches, but when I get back to Rwanda, there are some people I will tell to stay calm,” he added.
The victory was historic for Amavubi, as it marked the first time Rwanda had won two consecutive matches in an AFCON qualification campaign.
In Group K, Rwanda currently sit at the top of the standings, level on points and goal difference with Mali. Liberia and Cape Verde occupy the bottom positions, with neither side having collected a point so far.
Rwanda will face Mali twice in November 2026.
SOURCE: IGIHE