Rwanda made a strong start to their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Liberia at Amahoro Stadium on Friday.
Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring in the third minute before Leroy Jacques Mickels added Rwanda’s second in the 34th minute. Liberia pulled one back through Sylvanus Nimely five minutes later, but Mickels restored Rwanda’s two-goal lead from the penalty spot before half-time.
The second half was more difficult for Rwanda as Liberia created several chances. The Amavubi defended their lead, with Claude Niyomugabo making an important goal-line clearance and goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari making a key save. Liberia were also reduced to 10 players after Sean Sherman was sent off in the 60th minute.
President Paul Kagame watched the match from the stands as thousands of supporters filled Amahoro Stadium. The game was also important because Rwanda have been waiting since their first AFCON appearance in 2004 for another place at the tournament.
Rwanda are in Group K with Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia. The top two teams in the group will qualify for AFCON 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The Amavubi will now travel to Praia to face Cape Verde on September 29. That match will give Rwanda another early test as they continue their road toward AFCON 2027.
