Monday, October 4 Rwanda Vs Kenya, 6pm Venue: Amahoro Stadium Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine will use Monday's international friendly against Kenya as an opportunity to test new players, refine tactical combinations and reinforce the discipline that has underpinned Amavubi's impressive start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. The match at Amahoro Stadium comes at a positive moment for Rwanda, who sit top of Group K on six points after opening their qualifying campaign with consecutive victories against Liberia and Cape Verde. Despite the encouraging results, Constantine believes there is still significant work to do as he continues building a competitive squad capable of sustaining success over the long term. The English coach has made it clear that the friendly against Kenya is not just about the result but also about assessing players and strengthening the team's depth ahead of future assignments. So, like with India in 2015, I have had to build from scratch. Which is why in the friendly against Kenya at home, I will look at some young players, Constantine said. The coach is expected to use the encounter to evaluate several members of the squad who have had limited opportunities during the opening AFCON qualifiers. The match will also provide a platform for younger players to demonstrate their readiness for international football. Constantine has repeatedly stressed the importance of discipline, commitment and hard work since returning to the national team setup. Those qualities have been evident in Rwanda's recent performances, particularly in the comeback victory over Cape Verde where Amavubi recovered from a goal down to secure a valuable away win. Beyond assessing individual performances, the Kenya match will allow the technical staff to experiment with different tactical systems and partnerships across the pitch. The friendly presents an opportunity to test alternative attacking combinations, defensive structures and midfield options as Rwanda seek to become less predictable and more adaptable against different opponents. Building internal competition remains another key objective for Constantine. With qualification still in its early stages, the coach wants every player to fight for a place in the starting lineup and maintain high standards within the squad. The players have worked hard and created a positive atmosphere in camp, but nobody can afford to be complacent, Constantine emphasized in recent weeks. A strong performance against Kenya would not only boost confidence ahead of the next round of AFCON qualifiers but also provide Constantine with valuable answers regarding the players and tactical options available to him. With supporters expected to fill Amahoro Stadium, the Amavubi coach will hope the friendly offers further evidence that Rwanda are developing into a disciplined, competitive and tactically flexible side capable of challenging the continent's stronger teams. For Kenya, the match offers an opportunity to rebuild confidence after a difficult start to their own qualifying campaign, ensuring Rwanda face a motivated opponent in what promises to be a useful test for both teams.
