Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, are in confident spirits as they prepare to face Cape Verde in a crucial Group K encounter of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde in Praia on Tuesday, 6:00pm.

Amavubi head into the match on the back of an impressive 3-1 victory over Liberia in Kigali, a result that gave Rwanda a strong start to their qualifying campaign. The team will now be aiming to maintain that momentum and secure another positive result away from home.

A victory in Praia would further strengthen Rwanda’s position in Group K and enhance their hopes of securing qualification for the continental tournament.

Cape Verde, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Mali in their opening qualifier. Another loss would increase the pressure on the Blue Sharks as they seek to remain competitive in a group that also includes Liberia.

Amavubi head coach Stephen Constantine acknowledged the challenge posed by the hosts but expressed confidence in his players ahead of the encounter.

“We came here to take something from this game,” Constantine said ahead of the match, signalling Rwanda’s intention to compete for a positive result rather than simply sit back and defend.

The two teams are familiar with each other, having faced off in the 2021 AFCON qualifying campaign. Their most recent encounter ended in a goalless draw.

With both sides looking to strengthen their position in the group, Tuesday’s encounter promises to be an important test for Amavubi as they continue their quest for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

Pictorial

Photos from Amavubi’s preparations ahead of the match against Cape Verde.