The Amavubi secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory in Praia, Cape Verde, on the evening of September 29, with few expecting Rwanda to overcome the hosts in their first home match since the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, who put in a strong performance despite appearing to suffer a thigh injury during the match, said the victory reflected the team’s determination to qualify for AFCON.
“We have a goal as players. What I feel is that we have to qualify for this AFCON. If we have started by winning away from home, it is a sign that we can do it. Rwandans should continue supporting us, and we will do it.”
Claude Niyomugabo, who scored Rwanda’s opening goal, thanked God for helping the team secure the victory.
“We were helped by listening to the coach’s tactics. He gave us confidence and told us that everything was possible, including getting three points here. God has helped us, and we are going home with the victory.”
Rwanda forward Leroy-Jacques Mickels, who has quickly won the affection of Rwandan fans, said the victory demonstrated what the team can achieve despite expectations that Cape Verde would have the advantage.
“We knew we had to win because everyone was saying that Rwanda is small, but we showed that Rwanda is a big country and that we are a big team. This is just the beginning. Thank you for supporting us. Wait until we get to Kigali and have a big celebration.”
Amavubi head coach Stephen Constantine also reiterated his determination to lead Rwanda to AFCON, a goal he said he had wanted to achieve when he previously coached the national team between 2014 and 2015.
“I want to thank the Ministry of Sports and FERWAFA because they have helped me do what I have to do, because I cannot do this alone. I don’t accept that Rwanda has gone 22 years without qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations, because when I was last here 11 years ago, we qualified, but it was taken away for reasons that did not make sense.”
He added: “Six months ago, I told Rwandans that I had unfinished business. Now look where we are. We have won two games.”
The victory marked a historic achievement for Amavubi, as it was the first time Rwanda had won two consecutive matches in an AFCON qualifying campaign.
In Group K, Rwanda currently sit at the top of the table, level with Mali on points and goal difference. Liberia and Cape Verde occupy the bottom positions, with neither side having collected a point.
Rwanda will face Mali twice in November 2026.
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