Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, secured a 2-1 victory over Cape Verde on Tuesday to make it two wins from two in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The victory at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on September 29, 2026, moved Rwanda to the top of Group K with six points from two matches.
Cape Verde, playing in front of its home supporters, started strongly and dominated possession in the opening stages. The Blue Sharks put pressure on Rwanda’s defence, but goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari and the backline remained organised.
The hosts eventually broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Ryan Isaac Da Graça Mendes delivered the ball from the left before Gilson Benchimol Tavares finished the move to give Cape Verde a 1-0 lead.
Rwanda responded before half-time.
Joy-Lance Mickels played a short corner with his brother Leroy-Jacques Mickels before receiving the ball back and delivering it towards Claude Niyomugabo, who found the net to bring Amavubi level.
The teams went into the break at 1-1.
Rwanda coach Stephen Constantine made his first change at half-time, replacing Biramahire Abeddy with Elie Tatou Iradukunda.
The substitution quickly paid off.
In the 52nd minute, Iradukunda put Rwanda ahead after receiving a well-timed pass from Joy-Lance Mickels and finishing the opportunity to make it 2-1.
Cape Verde responded by increasing the pressure as it searched for an equaliser. The hosts continued to control much of the possession, forcing Rwanda to defend for long periods.
Constantine made further changes as Rwanda looked to maintain its advantage. Jojea Kwizera replaced Gilbert Mugisha, while Noam Emeran came on for Leroy-Jacques Mickels.
Rwanda’s defence held firm through the final stages of the match.
Five minutes of added time were played, but Cape Verde could not find a second goal as Amavubi held on for a valuable away victory.
Constantine made two more late substitutions during stoppage time, bringing on Innocent Nshuti for Joy-Lance Mickels and Kevin Muhire for Bonheur Mugisha, also known as Casemiro.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Rwanda and a perfect start to its Group K campaign.
Amavubi had opened their qualification campaign with a 3-1 win over Liberia, meaning they now have six points from their opening two matches. Cape Verde, meanwhile, had entered the game looking to recover from a 3-1 defeat to Mali in their opening fixture.
Rwanda will return to AFCON qualifying action in November. Amavubi will travel to face Mali on November 11 before hosting the same opponents on November 15.
