Rwanda U23 will be aiming to make home advantage count when they host Cameroon U23 in the first leg of the second round of the 2027 CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Wednesday evening. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm, with both sides seeking a positive result ahead of the return leg in Cameroon. While Cameroon did not feature in the first round, Rwanda progressed to the next stage after securing a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory over Sudan, a performance that underlined the growing potential of Eric Nshimiyimana’s youthful side. The former Amavubi captain oversaw the team’s final training session at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Tuesday, the same venue that will host Wednesday’s fixture. Speaking ahead of the clash, Nshimiyimana said his team is prepared and determined to take advantage of playing in front of their home fans. We have prepared well and the players are motivated. Playing the first leg at home is an opportunity for us to get a good result before travelling for the return match, he said. Rwanda’s technical bench is also banking on the contributions of several overseas-based players who have joined the squad in recent days as the team looks to build on the momentum gained from the Sudan tie. However, the hosts face arguably their toughest challenge yet against a Cameroon side renowned for producing talented young players and competing strongly at youth level. The Young Lions, coached by Guy Armand Feutchine, arrived in Kigali with confidence following their preparations. The Cameroonians registered a 3-0 victory over their national U17 team in a friendly match before travelling to Rwanda. Forward Kylian Ebilegue recently stressed the team’s determination to secure a positive result away from home before completing the job in the second leg. A positive result at Kigali Pelé Stadium would put Amavubi U23 in a strong position ahead of the decisive return leg and keep alive their dream of qualifying for the U23 AFCON, which serves as a pathway to the Olympic Games. The winner of the tie will face either Madagascar or South Africa for a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON.
