Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine has expressed confidence in the Amavubi’s ability to compete against some of Africa’s strongest teams in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting his side has the quality required to secure a historic return to the continental showpiece.

Rwanda were drawn into a challenging Group K alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia. However, the British tactician believes his players are capable of rising to the occasion and mounting a serious challenge for qualification.

Speaking in an in-depth interview with FERWAFA, Constantine said he remains optimistic about Rwanda’s chances despite being grouped with opponents who boast higher FIFA rankings and greater continental pedigree.

"We have qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations as well as qualifiers for the Olympic Games. I want to succeed in both because I didn’t come here to lose,” Constantine said.

The coach stressed that qualification must remain the ultimate objective and urged his players to approach every game with confidence and ambition.

"We are in a difficult group with Cape Verde, a very strong side, Mali, who are among the top-ranked teams in Africa, and Liberia, who are also competitive. But we have to face them and beat them because that is the only way we can qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he added.

Constantine, who returned for a second stint as Rwanda coach earlier this year, also made it clear that selection for the national team will be based on merit rather than reputation.

According to the former India and Nepal coach, players must earn their place in the Amavubi squad through regular playing time and consistent performances at club level.

"You cannot contribute effectively if you are not playing regularly for your club. Whether a player is based in Europe or elsewhere, what matters is that he is playing and performing. National team places must be earned,” he stressed.

Constantine believes Rwanda have enough talent to compete with any team in Group K and is determined to build a squad capable of securing the country’s first AFCON qualification since 2004.

The Amavubi will begin their Group K campaign at home against Liberia in Kigali on September 25 before travelling to face Cape Verde four days later, on September 29.

The qualifying campaign will resume in November 2026, when Rwanda face group favourites Mali in a crucial double-header that could have a major impact on the race for qualification.

With home matches expected to play a decisive role in Rwanda’s campaign, Constantine has challenged his players to make Kigali a fortress and secure maximum points on home soil.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking the first time the continental tournament will be staged in East Africa.

For Rwanda, securing qualification would be a major milestone. Constantine believes the journey must be built on confidence, discipline and an unwavering belief that Amavubi can compete with Africa’s best.

"We have good players, and we must believe in ourselves. The challenge is tough, but we are ready to compete,” the coach said.

The top two teams in Group K will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.