Rwanda’s back-to-back victories in the opening rounds of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have done something that has been missing from Amavubi football for far too long — they have created genuine belief. Beating Liberia 3-1 in the opening match was encouraging. Coming from behind to defeat Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia was something more. It was a statement that Rwanda may finally be ready to turn promise into achievement. For perspective, Cape Verde are coming off a memorable World Cup debut in the US. Where they held two of the top three ranked teams, Spain and Argentina, to impressive draws. Don't start, at least not yet, to pack your bags and making hotel reservations at Afcon 2027, for there is still a long way in this qualifying journey, anything can happen. But for now, based on those two results, we can hold on genuine hope. The significance of Tuesday’s victory cannot be overstated. Rwanda showed character after conceding early, equalised through Claude Niyomugabo just before half-time and then completed the turnaround through Elie Tatou Iradukunda seven minutes into the second half. Six points from six have put Stephen Constantine’s side at the summit of Group K, level with Mali on points and goal difference. With only the top two advancing to the finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, Amavubi have given themselves an enviable platform. Please, for every Rwanda's sake, don't miss this chance. But again this is precisely where caution is required. Four matches remain, including the potentially decisive meeting with Mali in November. Bonheur Mugisha’s suspension for that encounter is an early reminder that qualifying campaigns are rarely won in September. A single defeat can change the mathematics, momentum and psychology of a group. Still, Rwanda have earned the right to dream. For a country that has appeared at the Afcon finals only once—in 2004—this is the kind of start the long-suffering supporters have been waiting for. The 2004 qualification was achieved under Brig. Gen. Ceaser Kayizari, who remains the only FERWAFA president to have overseen Rwanda’s qualification for the continental finals. That makes Fabrice Shema’s unplanned early departure as FERWAFA president particularly moving. Rwandan football had so much hope in his leadership, and it's a pity that he won't take much credit if indeed the current Amavubi go on to achieve great things. Shema leaves FERWAFA just as the national team has produced arguably its most promising start to a major qualifying campaign in years, or even, ever in its history. Had he remained in office and Rwanda ultimately qualified, he could have become only the second federation president to lead Amavubi to the Afcon finals. It's a distinct club that so far only Gen (Rtd) Kayizari enjoys a boring lonely seat. Instead, that opportunity has disappeared. There is an unavoidable irony in the timing. On the same day Rwanda celebrated one of its most impressive away victories, Shema announced his resignation, ending a presidency that lasted barely 13 months. In these pages we can only thank him for doing the honorable thing, and wish him well in his next endeavors. That is what humility entails. His decision, according to his resignation letter, was prompted by a personal integrity issue and was intended to protect FERWAFA’s credibility and public confidence. Whatever one's view of the circumstances surrounding Shema's departure, the federation now has to ensure that the leadership transition does not interfere with the national team's momentum. That responsibility falls on the interim administration led by Claudine Gasarabwe. And perhaps Constantine’s most intriguing words after the Cape Verde victory should be taken seriously. “The revolution has begun.” Is it? Two victories do not constitute a revolution—they constitute evidence of progress. And, yes, progress is just that, for, progress is a process not the end product. Lest we get over excited! From my understanding, a revolution in Rwandan football would mean something much bigger. It would entail consistent qualification for major tournaments, stronger domestic structures, better player development, sustainable professional standards and a national team capable of competing regularly rather than occasionally punching above its weight. Constantine himself tempered his declaration, acknowledging that Rwanda still has “a long way to go” before becoming a big team. That qualification is important. But revolutions often begin with a change in expectation. For years, Rwanda’s football conversation has too often revolved around “what might have been.” This campaign has started differently. The players are winning, the coach is demanding more, and the supporters have something tangible on which to build their optimism. The next test is whether that optimism can survive adversity. Mali will provide precisely that test. Without Mugisha, against a side that also has six points, Rwanda will discover whether these two victories represent merely an excellent start or the foundation of something more substantial. Shema will watch from outside the federation he led. He will not get the chance to attach his name to a historic Afcon qualification. That is football and life's cruel timing. For Amavubi. however, the bigger prize remains available. Six points are in the bank. Four matches remain. The revolution, if Constantine is right, has only just begun.
