Rwanda’s national football team, the Amavubi, is steadily reigniting hopes for a historic return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco 2025, and how we would all love it when/if it happens! Following a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Benin at Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday, October 15, Rwanda not only broke a 12-year winless streak against their West African foes but also solidified their qualification aspirations in Group D. The win was crucial for coach Torsten Spittler’s side, as it kept them in third place in the table standings with five points from four matches. While Nigeria leads the group with seven points from three matches, Rwanda's triumph puts them just one point behind Benin, who are second with six points. Libya are bottom of the group with a solitary point, but, like Nigeria, have played a game less. The meeting between the two teams did not take place after the Super Eagles boycotted it and returned home amid their airport nightmare experienced upon arrival in Libya. With two matches remaining, the battle for the second qualification spot is fiercely poised, and Rwanda’s chances have markedly improved following Tuesday’s victory. Rwanda’s journey in the qualifiers has been a rollercoaster, with inconsistent performances leading up to this pivotal match. The team suffered a setback just four days earlier, losing 3-0 to Benin in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, which raised concerns about their chances. However, the resilience displayed in the return fixture in Kigali showcased the team’s potential and determination. It's not very often that Amavubi come from a losing position to win matches. The match against Benin turned dramatically after Andreas Hountondji put the visitors ahead in the 42nd minute, igniting fears that Rwanda’s chances for qualification were slipping away. Yet, thanks to Spittler’s halftime talk, Amavubi demonstrated commendable resolve, equalizing through striker Innocent Nshuti in the 70th minute before captain Djihadi Bizimana secured the victory with a penalty just three minutes later, sending the home fans into a frenzy. The result instilled a renewed sense of belief within the team and fans alike. Looking ahead, Rwanda’s next challenge will be hosting winless Libya on November 11 in Kigali, a match that presents a golden opportunity for Amavubi to further bolster their qualifications hopes. A win against Libya, coupled with a loss for Benin against Nigeria, would place Rwanda in a strong position heading into the final matchday. It is essential for Rwanda to capitalize on this momentum, as they conclude their campaign away to Nigeria, a team they managed to hold to an impressive goalless draw in their first encounter. The stakes are high, and Rwanda’s chances hinge not just on their own performance but also on how Benin fares against Nigeria. The dynamics of the group could shift dramatically in the coming months, and Rwanda must remain focused. A win against Libya could prove crucial, keeping them firmly in the race for qualification. However, amidst this exciting journey, there are still uncertainties regarding the coaching situation, which needs to be sorted sooner rather than later. Spittler’s contract expires at the end of November, creating a cloud of unpredictability. It would be unwise for the Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) to let go of the German coach if the team continues to show signs of progress. Spittler has instilled a sense of purpose, which has been lacking in the past, where frequent coaching changes have often derailed team cohesion and performance. Continuity could be Rwanda’s greatest ally in this crucial phase of their qualification campaign and beyond. The performance against Benin highlighted the potential within the squad, and removing the architect of that resurgence may lead to setbacks. It’s vital for FERWAFA to recognize the value of stability, particularly as the team inches closer to a possible return to the AFCON finals for only the second time since their debut in 2004. As it stands, Rwanda’s chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025 are alive and well, with a seemingly favorable path ahead if they can secure vital points in their next match against Libya. The victory against Benin has injected fresh hope, but Amavubi must capitalize on their opportunities while the federation must provide the support necessary for this momentum to continue. With the right blend of performance, strategy and stability, Rwanda can defy the odds and return to the continental stage, which Rwandans and the country's top leadership deserves, not as a given but for the support and commitment afforded to the team. Over to you FERWAFA! Chaos in Libya vs Nigeria Meanwhile, the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) has criticised Nigerian counterpart after the Super Eagles returned to West Africa before their qualifier in Benghazi. The Nigerian squad decided to boycott the match, which had been scheduled to be played on Tuesday, October 15, after being stranded at Al Abraq airport when their plane was diverted there on Sunday. After being kept at the terminal building, in a location about 230km (143 miles) away from their intended destination, the Nigerian delegation flew back home, according to BBC Sport Africa. Libya appeared set to turn up at the Martyrs Stadium in Benina in an attempt to fulfil the fixture but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later confirmed the qualifier would not take place. A statement from the LFF said it condemns the steps taken by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) in refusing to play the game. It is reported that a CAF disciplinary board is investigating the circumstances after Nigeria were stranded in disturbing conditions. The report further states that there are several possible outcomes, with one being that Libya could be awarded a 3-0 victory (forfeit) or CAF ordering the match to be played at a later date. Another, that Nigeria, who are set to lodge an official complaint with CAF, also could lodge an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Libya had earlier complained about the treatment of their players and officials on arrival in Nigeria last week, which saw their flight land hours away from the match venue and the players endure long travel delays. Nigeria won that match 1-0.
