PHOTOS: Rwanda outlast Liberia to open AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign

Rwanda made a flying start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 3–1 victory over Liberia at Amahoro Stadium on Friday, putting the Amavubi in early control of a demanding Group K.

Joy-Lance Mickels was the star of the evening, scoring twice in the first half, while Abeddy Biramahire added an early goal as Rwanda capitalised on a fast start.

Liberia pulled one back through Sylvanus Nimely before the break, but the visitors were unable to build on that momentum.

Rwanda took the lead after only two minutes when Biramahire found the net, giving Stephen Constantine’s side the perfect start in front of a home crowd.

The hosts continued to press and were rewarded again in the 33rd minute when Leroy-Jacques Mickels doubled the advantage.

The forward struck again from the penalty spot just before half-time to give Rwanda a 3–1 lead.

Liberia had briefly threatened to unsettle the hosts when Nimely pulled a goal back in the 38th minute, but Rwanda restored their two-goal cushion before the interval.

The Lone Star’s hopes of a second-half comeback suffered another setback when captain Kpah Sherman was sent off in the 61st minute, leaving Liberia to play the closing stages with 10 men.

Rwanda controlled the match thereafter, although Liberia continued to search for openings.

Goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari was called upon to deal with several attempts, including a header from Edward Ledlum that he saved in the second half.

Constantine introduced fresh legs during the final stages, with Innocent Nshuti, Elie Iradukunda, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Gilbert Mugisha and Claude Niyomugabo among those involved in the second-half changes.

The result gives Rwanda an important three points at the beginning of a qualifying campaign that also features Mali and Cape Verde.

Rwanda will travel to Cape Verde for their second Group K fixture on September 29, while Liberia will host Mali on the same day.

The Amavubi are seeking a return to the AFCON finals for the first time since their only appearance at the tournament in 2004.

Their latest victory provides an early boost to that ambition after Rwanda endured a difficult World Cup qualifying campaign earlier this year.

Liberia, meanwhile, are trying to end a long absence from the continental tournament.

The Lone Star last appeared at the AFCON finals in 2002, and their defeat in Kigali leaves them needing a response when they face Mali next week.

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