Rwanda Begin AFCON 2027 Qualifying Campaign with Convincing 3-1 Win Over Liberia

KIGALI, Rwanda — Rwanda made a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Liberia on Friday evening.

The Amavubi controlled the Group K opener at Amahoro Stadium and secured all three points in front of their home supporters.

Rwanda needed only two minutes to take the lead. Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring after being set up by Leroy-Jacques Mickels, putting the hosts ahead early and setting the tone for the match.

Liberia struggled to contain the home side’s attacking momentum. Rwanda continued to press and extended their advantage before the interval. Joy-Lance Mickels converted a penalty in the 44th minute to make it 3-1, restoring a two-goal cushion after Liberia had briefly reduced the deficit.

Liberia’s Sylvanus Nimely had pulled a goal back in the 38th minute, giving the visitors a glimmer of hope. However, the Amavubi remained composed and managed the second half effectively. Liberia were further hampered when Kpah Sherman was shown a straight red card, leaving them with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Rwanda saw out the match without further alarm to claim a solid opening victory. The result gives the Amavubi maximum points from their first Group K fixture and an early boost in the qualifying race.

The Amavubi will now turn their attention to their next match away to Cape Verde on Tuesday. Liberia, meanwhile, will host Mali in their second group fixture.

The win provides a positive foundation for Rwanda as they look to progress in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, which will determine the finalists for the tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.