Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine has expressed confidence within the Amavubi’s means to compete in opposition to a few of Africa’s strongest groups within the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting his aspect has the standard required to safe a historic return to the continental showpiece.
Rwanda have been drawn right into a difficult Group Okay alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia. Nonetheless, the British tactician believes his gamers are able to rising to the event and mounting a critical problem for qualification.
Talking in an in-depth interview with FERWAFA, Constantine mentioned he stays optimistic about Rwanda’s probabilities regardless of being grouped with opponents who boast greater FIFA rankings and higher continental pedigree.
“We’ve got qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations in addition to qualifiers for the Olympic Video games. I wish to reach each as a result of I didn’t come right here to lose,” Constantine mentioned.
The coach pressured that qualification should stay the final word goal and urged his gamers to strategy each recreation with confidence and ambition.
“We’re in a tough group with Cape Verde, a really sturdy aspect, Mali, who’re among the many top-ranked groups in Africa, and Liberia, who’re additionally aggressive. However now we have to face them and beat them as a result of that’s the solely method we will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations,” he added.
Constantine, who returned for a second stint as Rwanda coach earlier this yr, additionally made it clear that choice for the nationwide crew will probably be primarily based on benefit somewhat than popularity.
Based on the previous India and Nepal coach, gamers should earn their place within the Amavubi squad by way of common taking part in time and constant performances at membership stage.
“You can’t contribute successfully in case you are not taking part in repeatedly to your membership. Whether or not a participant relies in Europe or elsewhere, what issues is that he’s taking part in and performing. Nationwide crew locations have to be earned,” he pressured.
Constantine believes Rwanda have sufficient expertise to compete with any crew in Group Okay and is set to construct a squad able to securing the nation’s first AFCON qualification since 2004.
The Amavubi will start their Group Okay marketing campaign at residence in opposition to Liberia in Kigali on September 25 earlier than travelling to face Cape Verde 4 days later, on September 29.
The qualifying marketing campaign will resume in November 2026, when Rwanda face group favourites Mali in an important double-header that would have a significant influence on the race for qualification.
With residence matches anticipated to play a decisive function in Rwanda’s marketing campaign, Constantine has challenged his gamers to make Kigali a fortress and safe most factors on residence soil.
The 2027 AFCON will probably be collectively hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking the primary time the continental match will probably be staged in East Africa.
For Rwanda, securing qualification could be a significant milestone. Constantine believes the journey have to be constructed on confidence, self-discipline and an unwavering perception that Amavubi can compete with Africa’s greatest.
“We’ve got good gamers, and we should consider in ourselves. The problem is hard, however we’re able to compete,” the coach mentioned.
The highest two groups in Group Okay will qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
