AFCON2027Q: Rwanda stun Cape Verde to claim 2-1 away victory (Photos)

Rwanda produced a memorable comeback to beat Cape Verde 2-1 in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group K match at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde on Tuesday.

The hosts took the lead through Gilson Benchimol in the 40th minute, but Rwanda responded just before half-time when Claude Niyomugabo levelled with a fine left-footed strike.

Elie Tatou Iradukunda then completed the comeback seven minutes into the second half as Rwanda secured three valuable points away from home.

Cape Verde started brightly and created several opportunities during the opening stages, with Telmo Arcanjo and Ayoni Santos both threatening the Rwanda defence.

Rwanda goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was forced into an early intervention after Benchimol tested him from close range in the seventh minute, while Cape Verde continued to press for the opening goal.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 40th minute.

Ryan Mendes provided the assist for Benchimol, who finished from close range to give Cape Verde a 1-0 lead.

Rwanda, however, refused to allow the deficit to disrupt their game. They pushed forward before the break and were rewarded in added time.

Niyomugabo collected the ball following a corner and fired a left-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to make it 1-1 in the 47th minute.

The visitors carried that momentum into the second half and took the lead in the 52nd minute.

Joy-Lance Mickels delivered a cross into the area and Iradukunda reacted quickly to fire a left-footed finish into the bottom-left corner, completing Rwanda's turnaround.

Cape Verde made several changes as they searched for an equaliser, introducing Jovane Cabral, Nuno da Costa, Dailon Livramento, Jamiro Monteiro and Garry Rodrigues.

The hosts created chances but struggled to find a way past Ntwari, who made important saves to preserve Rwanda's advantage.

Kevin Pina tested the Rwanda goalkeeper with a shot from outside the box in the 80th minute, while Diney Borges came close with a header in the closing stages.

Rwanda also made changes to protect their lead, with Noam Emeran, Jojea Kwizera, Kévin Muhire and Innocent Nshuti coming on during the second half.

Cape Verde pushed deep into eight minutes of added time, but Rwanda's defence held firm.

The victory gives Rwanda a major boost in their qualification campaign, while Cape Verde will be left to reflect on a match in which they surrendered a first-half lead.