Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, made a flying start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Liberia in their Group K opener at Amahoro Stadium on Friday. President Paul Kagame was among thousands who attended the match which opened Group K of the qualifiers. The home side produced a dominant first-half performance, with goals from Abeddy Biramahire, Leroy-Jacques Mickels and Joy-Lance Mickels. Liberia’s only response came through Sylvanus Nimely. The victory gave head coach Stephen Constantine and his side three valuable points at the start of a group that also features Cape Verde and Mali. Amavubi wasted no time asserting their authority, taking the lead in the third minute. Leroy-Jacques Mickels delivered a precise cross into the box, where Biramahire Abeddy arrived to finish and send the home crowd into celebration. Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Rwanda continued to press forward and create chances. Joy-Lance Mickels came close on several occasions as the hosts maintained control of possession and territory. Their pressure paid off again in the 34th minute when Leroy-Jacques Mickels doubled Rwanda’s advantage. The forward capped a well-worked move involving Gilbert Byiringiro and Joy-Lance Mickels, firing home from close range to make it 2-0. Liberia briefly threatened to mount a comeback four minutes later. Rwanda failed to fully clear a corner, allowing Nimely to pounce and reduce the deficit to 2-1. However, Amavubi restored their two-goal cushion just before half-time. After Rwanda were awarded a penalty, Biramahire Abeddy handed responsibility to Joy-Lance Mickels, who calmly converted from the spot in the 44th minute to make it 3-1. The Sabah FK forward then delighted the Amahoro Stadium faithful with Cristiano Ronaldo’s trademark “Siuuu” celebration, drawing an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Rwanda remained disciplined after the interval and strengthened their grip on the contest when Liberia were reduced to 10 men in the 60th minute. Striker Kpah Sean Sherman was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Bonheur Mugisha. Despite enjoying a numerical advantage for the remainder of the match, Rwanda focused on managing the game professionally and protecting their lead, securing all three points at the final whistle. Several Amavubi players delivered standout performances, including goalscorers Biramahire Abeddy, Leroy-Jacques Mickels and Joy-Lance Mickels. Defender Claude Niyomugabo also impressed, producing a crucial goal-line clearance in the first half. President Paul Kagame was among the spectators at Amahoro Stadium as Rwanda celebrated a memorable opening victory in front of their home supporters. The result gives Amavubi an encouraging start to their qualifying campaign ahead of their next assignment away to Cape Verde in Praia on September 29.
