Rwanda’s Amavubi will face Cape Verde’s Blue Sharks on Tuesday in their second Group K match of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:00 Kigali time at Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde.
Rwanda opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Liberia, while Cape Verde lost 3-1 to Mali.
Cape Verde have the stronger record in major international tournaments. They have qualified for the World Cup once, in 2026, and have appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations four times, in 2013, 2015, 2021 and 2023.
Rwanda have never qualified for the World Cup and have appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations once, in 2004.
The two sides last met in the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with both matches ending 0-0. The first leg was played in Cape Verde on 12 November, while the return match in Rwanda on 17 November saw Rwanda’s Niyonzima Ally sent off in the 29th minute.
In their last 10 matches across all competitions, Cape Verde have recorded three wins, three draws and four defeats, scoring 15 goals and conceding 14.
Rwanda have won four, drawn one and lost five of their last 10 matches, scoring 11 goals and conceding 11.
Cape Verde have been particularly difficult to beat at home. In their last 10 home matches, they have won seven, drawn two and lost one. Their most recent home defeat came against Botswana in October 2024, when they lost 1-0.
Rwanda’s away record has been less consistent, with two wins, one draw and seven defeats in their last 10 matches outside the country.
Cape Verde are currently ranked 64th in the FIFA world rankings, while Rwanda are 128th.
Among the players expected to feature for Cape Verde is goalkeeper Josimar José Évora Dias, known as Vozinha, who impressed at the 2026 World Cup and was selected in the tournament’s best XI. He is also among the 10 goalkeepers nominated for the Yashin Trophy.
Other Cape Verde players to watch include Kevin Pina, Sidny Lopes Cabral, Gilson Tavares, Diney Borges, Deroy Duarte and striker Dailon Rocha Livramento.
Rwanda coach Stephen Constantine will look to players including Leroy-Jacques Mickels, Biramahire Abeddy, Djihad Bizimana, Joy-Lance Mickels, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari, Claude Niyomugabo and Innocent Nshuti.
The Amavubi players impressed in the opening win over Liberia and will be looking to build on that result in Cape Verde.
