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.
