Rwanda’s Amavubi came from behind to beat Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia on Tuesday, earning their second straight win in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Rwanda secured a valuable away victory over Cape Verde on September 29, moving to six points from two matches in Group K of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
The hosts took the lead in the 40th minute through Gilson Benchimol, putting Rwanda behind after a closely contested first half.
Amavubi responded before the break. Claude Niyomugabo scored in stoppage time to make it 1-1 going into halftime.
Rwanda then completed the comeback early in the second half. Substitute Elie Tatou Iradukunda scored in the 52nd minute to give Amavubi a 2-1 lead.
Head coach Stephen Constantine made a change at the start of the second half, bringing Iradukunda on for Abeddy Biramahire. The substitution quickly paid off as Iradukunda found the net just seven minutes after the restart.
Rwanda managed the game after taking the lead and held on for all three points in Praia. The victory gives Amavubi six points from their opening two matches after their 3-1 win over Liberia in Kigali on September 25.
The result puts Rwanda at the top of Group K with six points, ahead of the remaining match between Liberia and Mali later on Tuesday. Cape Verde remain without a point after losing their opening two matches, including a 3-1 defeat to Mali.
The two wins give Rwanda an important start in the race for the 2027 AFCON finals, which will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. In Group K, the teams finishing first and second will qualify for the tournament.
Rwanda will return to qualifying action in November when the campaign resumes for Matchdays 3 and 4.
