A Nightmare for Cape Verde as Rwanda Complete Stunning Comeback,

Rwanda Complete Stunning Comeback to Beat Cape Verde 2–1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier

AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS | GROUP K

Rwanda produced a memorable comeback in Praia on Tuesday, defeating Cape Verde 2–1 in a crucial Group K encounter of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The victory gives the Amavubi back-to-back wins at the start of their qualifying campaign and provides head coach Stephen Constantine with another major result since taking charge of the national team.

Rwanda had opened the campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Liberia at Amahoro Stadium on September 25. Cape Verde, meanwhile, were looking to recover from their opening-day 3–1 defeat to Mali. (Kawowo Sports⁠)

Cape Verde strike first

Playing at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia, the hosts made the brighter start and eventually broke the deadlock through Gilson Benchimol in the 40th minute.

The goal gave Cape Verde a 1–0 advantage and appeared to put Rwanda under pressure heading into halftime.

However, the Amavubi responded at a crucial moment.

Niyomugabo restores parity

Rwanda levelled the match in first-half stoppage time when Claude Niyomugabo found the back of the net in the 45+2nd minute.

According to match reports, Niyomugabo’s effort from outside the box caught Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha off guard.

The equaliser completely changed the momentum going into the second half. (Diario AS⁠)

Iradukunda completes the comeback

Rwanda came out strongly after the break and completed the turnaround in the 52nd minute.

Elie Tatou Iradukunda scored to put the Amavubi 2–1 ahead.

The Rayon Sports winger had only recently been called into the senior national team after replacing Keddy Nsanzimfura, and he had already been identified as one of the standout players in Rwanda’s domestic and continental campaign. But

His goal proved decisive as Rwanda held on to claim all three points.

Constantine’s impressive start continues

The result represents another significant step in Stephen Constantine’s early tenure as Rwanda head coach.

The English coach had warned before the match that Cape Verde would provide a major test, particularly after their impressive performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Constantine nevertheless insisted that Rwanda travelled to Praia believing they could get a result.

His players delivered that result in dramatic fashion.

After two matches, Rwanda have now collected six points from a possible six, following victories over Liberia and Cape Verde.

Rwanda’s opening AFCON 2027 results

🇷🇼 Rwanda 3–1 Liberia

🇨🇻 Cape Verde 1–2 Rwanda

Played: 2
Won: 2
Drawn: 0
Lost: 0
Points: 6

A huge result away from home

The victory is particularly significant because it came away from home against a Cape Verde side that had recently competed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Before the match, Rwanda were described as facing one of their toughest tests of the qualifying campaign. Cape Verde were also under pressure after losing their opening qualifier against Mali.

Instead, Rwanda recovered from conceding first and returned to Kigali with three points.

Group K qualification race

Rwanda are competing in Group K alongside Cape Verde, Liberia and Mali.

Before the second round of matches, Rwanda and Mali had three points each, while Cape Verde and Liberia had lost their opening fixtures.

With six points from their first two games, Rwanda have made an excellent start to the group campaign.

However, the qualification race is still far from over. The teams will continue to battle across the remaining matchdays for places at the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Rwanda’s AFCON dream is alive

Rwanda’s last appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations finals came in 2004, when the Amavubi reached the tournament for the first time in their history.

The team now has an opportunity to return to the continental stage, although several qualifying matches remain.