Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, delivered an impressive comeback to defeat Benin 2-1 in a tightly contested AFCON 2025 qualifier at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The match, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Sport Richard NYIRISHEMA, saw Rwanda overcome an early deficit to secure three crucial points. Read also:  Rwanda Falls to Benin in AFCON 2025 Qualifier: A 3-0 Defeat in Abidjan The match began with Rwanda on the front foot, as early as the 1st minute when Gilbert Mugisha missed a great opportunity from Samuel Gueulette's pass. Amavubi's pressure continued in the 7th minute with a f

Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, delivered an impressive comeback to defeat Benin 2-1 in a tightly contested AFCON 2025 qualifier at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. The match, attended by Rwanda’s Minister of Sport Richard NYIRISHEMA, saw Rwanda overcome an early deficit to secure three crucial points. Read also: Rwanda Falls to Benin in AFCON 2025 Qualifier: A 3-0 Defeat in Abidjan The match began with Rwanda on the front foot, as early as the 1st minute when Gilbert Mugisha missed a great opportunity from Samuel Gueulette's pass. Amavubi's pressure continued in the 7th minute with a free kick earned and taken by Jojea Kwizera, blocked by Benin defense, though Mangwende's shot went directly in Benin goal Keeper's hand. Benin capitalized on Rwanda’s defensive errors in the 42nd minute. Andreas Hountondji, assisted by Hassane Imourane, scored a well-placed goal after Rwanda’s defense failed to mark properly. The visitors took the lead just before halftime, leaving Rwanda trailing 0-1 at the break. Amavubi's Jojea Kwizera was substituted at halftime, with Jean Bosco Ruboneka coming on as Coach Frank Spittler sought more stability. The second half saw Rwanda come out strong, with Bizimana Djihad’s 47th-minute free kick creating a big chance, but Amavubi couldn’t find the back of the net. Benin’s defense was resilient, and they slowed the game down, hoping to maintain their lead. Rwanda continued pressing, and in the 63rd minute, Gilbert Mugisha missed a crucial chance from a cross by Fitina Ombolenga. However, the breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Nshuti Innocent fired in an equalizer from a tight angle, thanks to Emmanuel Imanishimwe’s pinpoint assist. The stadium erupted as Rwanda leveled the score 1-1. Just five minutes later, Rwanda took the lead. Captain Djihad Bizimana was fouled inside the box, and he calmly converted the penalty to make it 2-1 for Rwanda in the 75th minute. Bizimana’s leadership and composure earned him the Man of the Match title. Benin pushed hard in the final minutes, seeking an equalizer. In the 83rd minute, Rwanda’s defense, particularly Emmanuel Imanishimwe, held firm. Goalkeeper Ntwari Fiacre made a crucial save in the 87th minute, catching a dangerous ball that slipped past Rwanda’s defenders. As the clock ticked down, Rwanda made substitutions to maintain their lead, bringing in Muhire Kevin and Claude Niyomugabo to freshen the side. Benin had one last big chance in the 90th minute, but Rwanda’s defense cleared the ball to safety. After four minutes of added time, the final whistle blew, and Rwanda celebrated a well-deserved 2-1 victory. Match Summary Goals: Benin: Andreas Hountondji (42’) Rwanda: Nshuti Innocent (70’), Djihad Bizimana (75’ Penalty) Yellow Cards: Benin: Hassane Imourane (35’), Mohamad Tijan (47’) Rwanda: Niyigena Clement (38’) Key Substitutions: Rwanda: Jojea Kwizera off, Jean Bosco Ruboneka on (46’); Djihad Bizimana off, Steve Rubanguka on (83’) Benin: Andreas Hountondji off, Jodel Dossou on (64’); Steve Traore on, Sessi D’Almeida off (80’) This hard-fought victory boosts Rwanda’s hopes in the AFCON 2025 qualification campaign as they look forward to their next challenges.

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