Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, have taken another major step in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification campaign after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 away in Praia on Tuesday. The victory gives Rwanda six points from their opening two Group K matches, following their 3-1 home victory over Liberia four days earlier. It is a significant result for Stephen Constantine and his players as they continue their attempt to end Rwanda’s long wait for an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Rwanda’s last AFCON appearance came in 2004. Cape Verde started the match with the confidence of

Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, have taken another major step in their Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualification campaign after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 away in Praia on Tuesday. The victory gives Rwanda six points from their opening two Group K matches, following their 3-1 home victory over Liberia four days earlier. It is a significant result for Stephen Constantine and his players as they continue their attempt to end Rwanda’s long wait for an appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations. Rwanda’s last AFCON appearance came in 2004. Cape Verde started the match with the confidence of a side that had recently competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but Rwanda remained organised and competitive. The hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the 40th minute, when Gilson Benchimol Tavares put Cape Verde ahead. Rwanda responded before the interval. Claude Niyomugabo scored in first-half stoppage time, 45+2', bringing Amavubi level just before the break. The goal gave Rwanda renewed momentum going into the second half. Rwanda completed the turnaround seven minutes after the restart. Elie Tatou Iradukunda found the back of the net in the 52nd minute, putting Amavubi 2-1 ahead. Cape Verde pushed for an equaliser during the remainder of the match, but Rwanda protected their advantage to secure a valuable three points on the road. FULL TIME: Cape Verde 1-2 Rwanda Gilson Benchimol Tavares — 40' Claude Niyomugabo — 45+2' Elie Tatou Iradukunda — 52' The victory means Rwanda have won both of their opening Group K matches. Amavubi began the campaign on September 25 by beating Liberia 3-1 at Amahoro Stadium. Rwanda and Mali both opened the campaign with victories, with Mali defeating Cape Verde 3-1 in Bamako. Rwanda’s latest victory therefore comes against the same Cape Verde side that had started the qualification campaign with a defeat to Mali. The Group K qualification race consists of six matches, with Rwanda, Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia competing for the available qualification places. The result also gives greater momentum to Stephen Constantine’s project with the Amavubi. Before the campaign began, the English coach spoke about the need to change Rwanda’s fortunes after more than two decades without an AFCON appearance. His side have now responded with two victories in their first two matches, scoring five goals and conceding two. The campaign, however, is far from over. The next two Group K matches are scheduled for the November 9–17, 2026 international window, followed by the final two matches in March 2027. Rwanda’s next assignments will come against Mali, with the two sides set to meet home and away during the November window. For a team whose objective is to return to the continental championship for the first time since 2004, six points from the opening two matches provide an important foundation. The journey is still long, but Amavubi have started it with two wins. Two matches. Two victories. Six points. The road to AFCON 2027 continues.

A little more informed. A little more connected.