Rwanda national football team head coach Stephen Constantine says his main objective is to guide the Amavubi to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations and end the country’s 22 year absence from the continental tournament.
The English coach made the remarks during a press conference held at Amahoro Stadium on Thursday, September 24, 2026, ahead of Rwanda’s opening qualifying match against Liberia.
Rwanda last appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, and Constantine said he is determined to change the team’s fortunes and write a new chapter in its history.
“I know what has happened over the last 22 years, but that is finished. I came here to change that,” Constantine said.
The coach acknowledged that there is still significant work to be done, particularly in developing young players, but said he believes the process of change has already begun.
“There is a lot to do, including putting more effort into young players, which I think will help us,” he added.
Constantine, who has more than three decades of coaching experience, also expressed confidence in the current squad, describing it as one of the strongest groups of players he has worked with during his career.
“In more than 30 years as a coach, this is the best team of players I have had. It is something I am very pleased with, and I strongly believe it will give us a good result in tomorrow’s game,” he said.
Rwanda captain Djihad Bizimana also called on the team to use the qualification campaign as an opportunity to give supporters something to celebrate.
“We are confident and our objective is not to lose any home game. We feel this is the right time to take our team to the Africa Cup of Nations,” Bizimana said.
With just hours to kick-off, the Amavubi are preparing to face Liberia today, Friday, September 25, in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifying match. Rwanda will then travel to Praia to face Cape Verde on September 29 as the team begins its bid to return to the Africa Cup of Nations.
For Rwanda, the campaign offers another opportunity to return to Africa’s biggest international football stage after more than two decades away.
