Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, defeated Liberia 3-1 in their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match, watched by President Paul Kagame at Amahoro Stadium.
The match, which kicked off at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, was Rwanda’s first Group K fixture in the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Rwanda, coached by Stephen Constantine, made a strong start, taking the lead in the second minute through Biramahire Abeddy, who finished from a well-delivered pass by Leroy-Jacques Mickels.
As Liberia, coached by Mohammed Adil Erradi, looked for a way back into the game, Rwanda doubled its lead in the 33rd minute through Leroy-Jacques Mickels. The goal followed a well-built move initiated by Byiringiro Jean Gilbert, with Joy-Lance Mickels getting a touch before the ball reached the scorer.
The second goal came shortly after President Paul Kagame entered Amahoro Stadium to watch the match.
Liberia responded in the 38th minute when Sylvanus Nimely pulled one back, giving his side renewed confidence.
Rwanda restored its two-goal advantage just before halftime when Joy-Lance Mickels converted a penalty in the 44th minute.
The penalty was awarded after Mugisha Bonheur’s shot was handled inside the box by Solomon Madaase Tweh, prompting referee Hillary Hambaba to point to the spot.
Liberia came out strongly in the second half as it searched for an equaliser, but its hopes suffered a major setback in the 61st minute.
Kpah Sean Sherman, who had come on as a substitute and was causing problems for Rwanda’s defence, was shown a red card after kicking Mugisha Bonheur.
Despite playing with 10 men for more than 30 minutes, Liberia continued to put pressure on Rwanda. Amavubi, however, could not add to their tally as the match ended 3-1.
After the match, Rwanda coach Stephen Constantine welcomed the victory but acknowledged that there was still work to do to improve the team.
Liberia coach Mohammed Adil attributed the defeat to defensive mistakes and also expressed dissatisfaction with the officiating, particularly the penalty awarded to Rwanda.
Adil said that, had video assistant referee technology (VAR) been available, he believed the match would have ended 1-1.
In the other Group K match, Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1.
Following their victory, Rwanda travelled to Cape Verde for their second Group K match against the hosts, while Liberia will host Mali. Both matches are scheduled for September 29, 2026.
Constantine travelled with a 24-player squad from Kigali, with Niyongira Patience, Mugisha Yves, Uwiyaremye Fidali and Mbonyumwami Taiba among the players who remained in the national team camp.
