Rwanda’s national footall team secured their ticket to the last eight of the ongoing 2020 African Nations Championships (CHAN) following a hard-fought 3-2 win over debutants Togo on Tuesday, January 26, at Stade de Limbe in Cameroon.

Towering forward Ernest Sugira scored the winning goal, with captain Jacques Tuyisenge and midfielder Olivier Seif Niyonzima also on target.

Amavubi's victory, which came against the backdrop of a winless run spanning over a year and many disappointing outings, sparked wild celebrations back in Rwanda with some fans in parts of the capital Kigali even pouring onto the streets in large numbers in violation of the current Covid-19 lockdown.

Others took to social media platforms to express their delight.

Times Sport compiled some of the reactions: 

Bernard Makuza, former Senate President

Bravo Amavubi, you have shown a fighting spirit to snatch this victory. Deserved qualification for the 1/4 finals.Thanks to the tactical choice of the coach. Congratulations...Proud of you.

Jolly Mutesi, Miss Rwanda 2016

Respect to Amavubi, May the Almighty grant you enormous power and 

Kakooza Nkuriza Charles (KNC), President Gasogi United

There is nothing impossible to the willing mind. Congratulations to our lovely Amavubi.

Aissa Cyiza, Radio Host

What celebrations in Kigali city! Buckets, pots and pans that I hear all over the place [laughing emoji]

Amavubi, the victory is so enjoyable and please make sure you always give it to us.

Espérance Nyirasafari, Senate Vice-President 

Thank you so much Amavubi, We are so happy [clapping]. Victory to all people of Rwanda!

Edmund Kagire, Journalist 

In life, I may not have enjoyed success as much as I enjoyed this one. To Amavubi, where I went overboard and said bad things to you, I apologize.

Speciose Kabukire, an 88-year-old football fan

I’ve been praying all day for the national team to win the match and, finally, God responded to my prayers. Their victory really made me so emotional and I am so happy for the result.

Their previous performances were not so good and would make me feel so sad for a long time, but last night’s win made me forget what they did in the past. We wish to see them doing better and better.

Jean-Pierre Sikubwabo alias Cowbell, football fan

That was a victory that made us celebrate all night to the point that we forgot about the lockdown guidelines and went in the streets. We did it because we were super-excited.

It’s a win that we missed for quite a long time. We had no choice but to take our celebrations in the streets but we apologize to the police and other security departments for the way we behaved last night while the city is under lockdown, it was all due to the joy that the national team gave us but we won’t do it again.