Amavubi begin 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign With Liberia clash

Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine says his main objective is to lead the Amavubi back to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the national team begins its 2027 qualifying campaign against Liberia at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, September 25.

Rwanda last appeared at the continental finals in 2004 in Tunisia, making the upcoming qualifying campaign an important opportunity for the team to seek a return to the tournament.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference on Thursday, Constantine said he was focused on changing the team's fortunes rather than dwelling on its past.

“What happened over the past 22 years is in the past. I came here to set things right,” Constantine said.

The British coach also highlighted the importance of developing young players as part of his longer-term plans for the national team.

Constantine expressed confidence in the squad assembled for the qualifiers, describing it as one of the strongest groups of players he has worked with during his more than three decades in coaching.

Captain Djihad Bizimana also expressed confidence ahead of the Liberia match, saying the players understand the expectations of supporters and want to make their home matches an important source of points.

Rwanda have previously met Liberia twice in AFCON qualifying. Liberia won 3–2 in Monrovia during the 2008 qualifiers, while Rwanda responded with a 4–0 victory in Kigali in the return encounter.

The match against Liberia will be Rwanda's first Group K fixture before the Amavubi travel to face Cape Verde on September 29.

Constantine has also called on Rwandan supporters to fill Amahoro Stadium and provide strong backing for the team as the qualification campaign gets underway.