The Rwandan national football team, Amavubi, landed in Kigali on Friday afternoon after a challenging journey from Cabo Verde. They won 2-1 against their opponents in the second match of their group in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The team was welcomed by numerous fans at Kigali's international airport. This was Amavubi's second match in the qualifiers, with the team having started their journey on Tuesday from Cabo Verde to Dakar, Senegal, where they spent the night before heading back to Kigali.
Amavubi's journey began on Tuesday with a long-haul flight to Cabo Verde, which took 18 hours. Initially, they were scheduled to arrive in Rwanda on Friday at 2:30 pm, flying from Nairobi, Kenya, with a stopover in Dakar, Senegal. However, a change in their flight schedule pushed their arrival time to 8:25 am on Friday. The team eventually landed at Kanombe at 10:10 am due to further adjustments, with their Kenyan stopover only serving as a point of departure.
Despite the grueling and unpredictable journey, Amavubi was warmly received by fans, family members of the players, and football enthusiasts. Many had gathered at Kigali's international airport, some having arrived early in the morning to welcome the team. The players expressed their joy and satisfaction with their win against Cabo Verde, accumulating six points from two matches. Joy Lance Mickels, a team member, described the feeling as extraordinary and a significant achievement.
Upon arrival, the team proceeded to the FERWAFA Hotel, their designated resting place, to relax and prepare for their upcoming friendly match against Kenya on October 5, 2026, at the Amahoro Stadium. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm. Currently, Amavubi leads Group 11 with six points, tied with Mali.
Amavubi's next match in the qualifiers is scheduled for November 11, 2026, against an opponent yet to be determined. The team will then host another match on November 15, 2026. These upcoming games will be crucial in determining their standing in the group and potential qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Rwandan fans' warm reception of Amavubi reflects the nation's enthusiasm and support for their national team. The team's performance in the qualifiers has generated significant excitement, with many hoping for a successful campaign. As Amavubi prepares for their upcoming matches, they will look to build on their current momentum and make a strong impression in the competition.
With their sights set on the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, Amavubi will need to maintain their form and secure crucial victories in the remaining matches. The team's journey, both on and off the field, has been closely followed by Rwandan football fans, who eagerly anticipate their team's continued success.
Key points
- Amavubi's win against Cabo Verde has put them in a strong position in their group, with six points from two matches.
- The team's grueling journey to Kigali was marked by multiple flight schedule changes, but they were warmly received by fans and family members.
- Amavubi's next match is a friendly against Kenya on October 5, 2026, at the Amahoro Stadium.
