The Rwandan national football team, Amavubi, faced off against Kenya in a friendly match on October 5, 2026, at Stade Amahoro. The game ended in a 0-0 draw. This match was part of the team's preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027) qualification. Amavubi's coach, Stephen Constantine, made 10 changes to the starting lineup from the previous match against Cap-Vert, which Rwanda won 2-1.
The match began with Amavubi dominating possession and creating scoring opportunities, but they struggled to find the back of the net. In the 15th minute, the game slowed down, with both teams focusing on defending and counter-attacking. The first half ended with the score tied at 0-0. Kenya had a notable chance in the 40th minute when Stanley Wilson Omondi took a shot, but it was cleared from the corner.
In the second half, Amavubi made several substitutions, bringing in Hakim Hamiss, Joy-Lance Mickels, Bizimana Djihad, and Byiringiro Jean Gilbert. These changes seemed to energize the team, and in the 54th minute, Iradukunda Elie Tatou created a scoring opportunity, but Abud Omar Khamis Abud cleared the ball from the corner. Amavubi continued to press, but Kenya's defense held strong.
As the game wore on, both teams committed mistakes in midfield, but neither could capitalize on these errors. In the 60th minute, Amavubi made further substitutions, introducing Leroy Jacques Mickels, Niyomugabo Claude, Mbonyumwami Taiba, and Niyongira Patience. Despite these changes, the score remained 0-0.
The match ended with Amavubi concluding their October matches with a draw. The team had previously won against Liberia and Cap-Vert. Amavubi will return to the pitch on November 11, 2026, to face Mali in a 2027 CAN qualification match in Bamako. Four days later, on November 15, 2026, Rwanda will host another qualification match at Stade Amahoro.
The friendly match against Kenya provided Amavubi with valuable playing time and experience. Coach Stephen Constantine will likely use this match to assess his team's performance and make adjustments for the upcoming qualification matches. The team's performance against Kenya will be crucial in preparing for the challenges ahead in the CAN 2027 qualification.
The draw against Kenya marks the end of Amavubi's October matches. The team's focus will now shift to the upcoming qualification matches against Mali and other opponents. With the right strategy and teamwork, Amavubi aims to secure a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Amavubi played to a 0-0 draw against Kenya in a friendly match on October 5, 2026.
- The match was part of Amavubi's preparation for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN 2027) qualification.
- Amavubi will face Mali in a 2027 CAN qualification match on November 11, 2026, in Bamako.
