Rwanda’s historic 2-1 win over Nigeria ends in heartbreak as they fail to qualify for the 2025 AFCON due to goal difference, following the concurrent goalless draw between Libya and Benin.

Rwanda’s 2025 AFCON qualification campaign concluded on November 18 with mixed emotions.

The Torsten Spittler-coached side defeated Nigeria 2-1 in Uyo State to conclude the campaign in third place with 8 points, the same as second-placed Benin. However, Benin had a superior goal difference compared to the Amavubi, securing second place.

The first 45 minutes ended in a stalemate, and the Super Eagles broke the deadlock 14 minutes after the break when substitute Samuel Chukwueze scored a stunning solo goal, beating four Rwandan defenders.

Rwandan goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali sustained an injury a few minutes after the goal and was replaced by Clement Twizere Buhake. At the same time, Spittler introduced Jojea Kwizera and Samuel Gueulette, who completely changed the game.

Kwizera set up Ange Jimmy Mutsinzi in the 72nd minute to level the score, boosting the morale of Djihad Bizimana and his teammates as they pushed for the winner.

In the 75th minute, the in-form striker Innocent Nshuti netted the second goal, capitalizing on a precise pass from Emmanuel Imanishimwe on the left flank.

With the 2-1 lead, Rwanda needed Libya to beat Benin in Tripoli to secure second place. However, the teams ended in a goalless draw, which favored Benin.

• Related story: Rwanda’s AFCON Hopes Fade with Loss to Libya

Nigeria finished Group D in pole position with 11 points, followed by Benin with 8 points, the same as Rwanda. But with a better head-to-head record, Benin claimed second place, having beaten Rwanda 3-0 in the first leg, while Rwanda won 2-1 in the return leg.

Both teams had 3 points in head-to-head results, but Benin had a superior goal difference in those two encounters.

Rwanda has not participated in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) since 2004, but they have never come closer than this year. 

The focus now shifts to the World Cup qualifiers. Rwanda leads Group C, which includes Nigeria and Benin—two teams that denied Rwanda a spot in the AFCON—along with South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho.

Amavubi’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) ambitions took a major blow as they were narrowly defeated 1-0 by Libya in front of a full crowd at Amahoro Stadium.

November 14th will be remembered as the day Rwanda endured its first defeat in a match played at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium.

Amavubi hosted Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in a must-win match that could have boosted their ambitions to return to the AFCON for the first time in two decades.

The home team, backed by the crowd, dominated the first half, creating several scoring chances but failing to convert any of them.

Rwanda continued to control possession in the second half but squandered opportunities until Libya’s Fahd Saad Mohamed scored the only goal of the match in the 84th minute.

This left Rwanda with little time to respond, and the defeat severely jeopardized their AFCON qualification hopes.

Rwanda traveled to Uyo, Nigeria, early this morning to take on the Super Eagles in the final match of Group D. And their chances of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON now rely not only on their own performance but also on the result of the Benin-Libya match.

Amavubi must beat Nigeria and hope that Libya defeats Benin. Currently, the Torsten Spittler-coached team sits in third place with 5 points, two points behind second-placed Benin and 6 points off leaders Nigeria, who have already secured their AFCON ticket.

Libya’s win has also improved their chances. Although they are at the bottom of the table with 4 points, if they beat Benin in their final match and hope that Nigeria manages at least a draw against Rwanda, they will make it to Morocco next year.

The Rwanda men’s national team, Amavubi, will face Libya on November 14 in a must-win match to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals for the first time in 20 years.

Rwanda wants to build on their victory over Benin to continue the long journey of ending a 20-year AFCON drought.

Rwanda last participated in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004 in Tunisia. Since then, the Amavubi have never been in a stronger position than they are now, to make a return to Africa’s top football tournament.

The Rwandan fans are anticipating the Amavubi’s match against the Mediterranean Knights, as the team have yet to experience a home defeat at the new Amahoro Stadium.

In the pre-match press conference, Djihad Bizimana urged Rwandans to support the team in their final home game and vowed to give their best on the field to make the fans proud.

“We urge Rwandans to come out and support us, as this is our final home match of the campaign.”He told the media.

Bizimana added, “The energy from the crowd has motivated us in previous matches, and we expect them to turn out in large numbers. We promise to make them proud.”

Coach Frank Torsten Spittler stated that the team is in high spirits and ready to build on their victory in the previous match.

“The situation is good, especially after we won our last match, and everyone is healthy.” Torsten noted. “We are ready for the challenge tomorrow.”

The match will take place this Wednesday at Amahoro Stadium, kicking off at 6 p.m. local time. After that, the team will fly to Nigeria for the final group game on November 18.

Rwanda is third in Group D with 5 points, trailing Nigeria (10 points) and Benin (6 points), while Libya is last with 1 point.

A win over Libya, combined with a Nigeria win against Benin, would elevate Amavubi to second place before the final game in Uyo against super eagles.

However, they must fight for a strong result against Nigeria in their final match; otherwise, Rwanda’s chances will depend not only on their own performance but also on the outcome of the Benin-Libya match, as only the top two teams in the group will qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the 35th edition, will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, due to the scheduling of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the summer.