The Rwandan national football team, Amavubi, secured a 2-1 victory over Cap-Vert in their second Group K match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. The match took place on September 29, 2026, at 10:12 PM local time in Kigali. Coach Stephen Constantine made one change to the starting lineup, substituting Kwizera Jojea with Mugisha Gilbert. This match was crucial for both teams, with Cap-Vert seeking to bounce back from a 3-1 loss to Mali in their first match, while Rwanda aimed to earn at least a draw.
The game was intense, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, it was Cap-Vert who took the lead in the 39th minute through a goal by Gilson Benchimol Tavares, assisted by Ryan Mendes. Despite this setback, the Amavubi players did not lose hope and continued to press for an equalizer. Their efforts paid off in the 45th minute when Niyomugabo Claude scored a well-taken goal. Claude's goal was made possible by a series of passes, including a cross from Leroy-Jacques Mickels and a clever move involving Abeddy Biramahire.
The first half ended with the score level at 1-1. At the start of the second half, Coach Constantine made another substitution, bringing on Iradukunda Elie Tatou for Biramahire Abeddy. This change proved decisive, as Tatou scored the winning goal for Amavubi in the 52nd minute. The goal was set up by Joy-Lance Mickels, who cleverly turned his marker and delivered a precise pass to Tatou.
After taking the lead, Amavubi focused on defending their advantage and managing the game. The team worked to maintain possession and prevent Cap-Vert from creating scoring opportunities. As the match entered its final stages, it became clear that Amavubi would emerge victorious. The team's fans erupted in celebration as the final whistle blew, confirming a 2-1 win for Rwanda.
This victory marked Amavubi's second consecutive win in Group K, with the team accumulating six points from two matches. The win also moved Rwanda to the top of the group standings. In the other match of the day, Liberia played against Mali, with the outcome yet to be determined.
Coach Stephen Constantine expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the players' determination and resilience. He praised the team's ability to respond to setbacks and adapt to the challenges of the match. The coach also acknowledged the support of the fans, who played a crucial role in motivating the team.
The win over Cap-Vert has boosted Amavubi's chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's next match will be crucial in determining their progress in the competition. With a strong squad and a determined spirit, Amavubi will look to build on this momentum and achieve success in the tournament.
Key points
- Amavubi defeated Cap-Vert 2-1 in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match.
