Stephen Constantine: “We Can Beat Mali and Cape Verde” as Rwanda Targets AFCON 2027
Rwanda’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are gathering momentum, with the Amavubi Stars looking to build confidence ahead of their upcoming encounter with Liberia under the #PAMOJA2027 campaign.
The Rwanda national team is continuing preparations for Friday’s match against Liberia, with players and technical staff expressing confidence that Rwanda can compete against some of the continent’s strongest sides.
Among those speaking to the local media at the Rwanda Football Association (FERWAFA) facilities was Rwanda international Noam Fritz Emeran, a left-footed player who currently plays for FC Emmen on loan from FC Groningen.
Emeran is among the Rwandan players based abroad who are expected to bring international experience and a different level of exposure to the national team as Rwanda looks to strengthen its squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Stephen Constantine: Rwanda Should Not Fear Its Opponents
Amavubi head coach Stephen Constantine believes Rwanda should not be overwhelmed by the teams in its AFCON 2027 qualifying group.
The English coach says he does not feel excessive pressure to collect a specific number of points, insisting that Rwanda has a realistic chance of competing for qualification.
Constantine also pointed to the unpredictable nature of international football, arguing that even highly rated teams can struggle when they face an opponent on a good day.
Speaking about the possibility of Rwanda defeating teams such as Mali and Cape Verde, Constantine said:
“I cannot say that it is impossible for us to beat all of them because every team has good days and bad days. Imagine if they find us on one of our best days… we could beat them.”
The coach used Cape Verde’s goalless draw against Spain as an example of how international football can produce unexpected results.
“For example, Cape Verde drew 0–0 with Spain, and nobody expected that. So, if they can do it, we can do it too because we are not under pressure.”
His comments underline the importance of confidence as Rwanda prepares to face challenging opponents on the road to AFCON 2027.
Mugisha Bonheur Calls on Rwandans Abroad to Unite
Meanwhile, Mugisha Bonheur “Casemiro”, who plays for Al-Hazem in the Saudi Pro League, believes Rwandan players competing abroad have an important role to play in the national team’s ambitions.
The midfielder says players based in different countries should bring together their experience and use it to strengthen the Amavubi Stars.
According to Bonheur, the time has come for Rwandan internationals playing outside the country to combine their knowledge and experience to help Rwanda achieve its objective of reaching AFCON 2027.
The upcoming tournament could provide additional motivation because the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted in East Africa, with matches scheduled across neighboring countries.
For Rwanda, qualification would therefore represent not only an opportunity to compete at the continental level but also a chance to participate in a major tournament being staged close to home.
Liberia Test Comes First
Before Rwanda can think too far ahead, attention is now focused on Liberia.
The match will provide Constantine and his technical staff with another opportunity to assess the squad, while the players will be expected to translate their preparations into a strong performance on the pitch.
With Rwandan players such as Noam Fritz Emeran and Mugisha Bonheur gaining experience abroad, the Amavubi have an increasingly important pool of players exposed to different football environments.
The challenge will be turning that individual experience into collective performances for the national team.
A New Chapter for Amavubi?
Rwanda’s journey toward AFCON 2027 will require consistency, discipline and strong performances throughout the qualification campaign.
Constantine’s message is clear: Rwanda should respect its opponents, but should not approach the matches with fear.
For the players, particularly those competing abroad, the responsibility is equally significant. Their experience could become an important resource as Rwanda attempts to build a competitive national team capable of challenging established African football nations.
The road to PAMOJA 2027 is now underway, and the Amavubi will be hoping that Friday’s meeting with Liberia can provide another important step toward their ultimate objective.
