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Rwanda national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Rwanda women's national football team.

Rwanda
NicknameAmavubi (The Wasps)
AssociationFédération Rwandaise de Football Association (FERWAFA)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCECAFA (East Africa)
Head coachAdel Amrouche
CaptainDjihad Bizimana
Most capsHaruna Niyonzima (112)
Top scorerOlivier Karekezi (24)
Home stadiumAmahoro Stadium
FIFA codeRWA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 131 Steady (22 December 2025)[1]
Highest64 (March 2015)
Lowest178 (July 1999)
First international
 Burundi 6–2 Rwanda 
(Libreville, Gabon; 29 June 1976)
Biggest win
 Rwanda 9–0 Djibouti 
(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 13 December 2007)
Biggest defeat
 Cameroon 5–0 Rwanda 
(Libreville, Gabon; 7 July 1976)
 Zaire 6–1 Rwanda 
(Gabon; 12 July 1976)
 Tunisia 5–0 Rwanda 
(Tunis, Tunisia; 10 April 1983)
 Uganda 5–0 Rwanda 
(Kampala, Uganda; 1 August 1998)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2004)
Best resultGroup stage (2004)
African Nations Championship
Appearances4 (first in 2011)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2016, 2020)

The Rwanda national football team represents Rwanda in international football and is controlled by the Rwandese Association Football Federation, the governing body of football in Rwanda, and competes as a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), as well as the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA), a CAF sub-confederation that governs football in East and Central Africa. The team bears the nickname Amavubi (Kinyarwanda for The Wasps), and primarily plays its home games at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali, the nation's capital. They have never qualified for a World Cup finals, and reached their only Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.

History

[edit]

Rwanda qualified for its first ever Africa Cup of Nations in the 2004 edition.[3] At the tournament, they lost their opening match 2–1 to Tunisia before winning their first ever point in the competition after a 1–1 draw against Guinea.[4] Rwanda went on to beat DR Congo in their final group match by a 1–0 scoreline, but it wasn't enough, as elsewhere in the group, Guinea and Tunisia drew, meaning both teams progressed to the quarter-finals, and Rwanda were eliminated.[5]

On 3 November 2007, Josip Kuže was appointed as head coach of Rwanda on a three-year deal,[6] but left just two months later to manage Japanese club JEF United Chiba, having managed just six matches.[7] Raoul Shungu was appointed as interim manager on 11 April 2008,[8] with Branko Tucak appointed on a permanent basis just over two months later.[9] After Rwanda finished bottom of their group in the third round of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying, Tucak was sacked in November 2009, with Eric Nshimiyimana appointed as his replacement on an interim basis.[10] In February 2010, Ghanaian Sellas Tetteh was appointed as the new national team manager.[11] Under Tetteh, Rwanda qualified for the 2011 African Nations Championship,[12] but finished bottom of their group after losing all three group stage matches.[13] Tetteh resigned in September 2011.[14]

Milutin Sredojević was appointed as Rwanda manager in November 2011,[15] though he was sacked in April 2013.[16] Nshimiyimana was reappointed to succeed Sredojević,[17] though he was replaced by Stephen Constantine in May 2014.[18] Under Constantine, Rwanda appeared to qualify for the group stage of qualifying for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, but were disqualified after fielding an ineligible player in a match against Congo.[19] Constantine resigned from his role in January 2015 however, in order to manage the India national team.[20]

Rwanda Football Federation technical director Lee Johnson became interim manager before Johnathan McKinstry was appointed as Constantine's replacement in March 2015, with Johnson leaving his role as technical director to become Constantine's assistant manager in India shortly after.[21][22] In his first competitive game in charge, McKinstry guided Rwanda to their first away win in four years with a 1–0 victory over Mozambique in the opening round of 2017 African Nations Cup qualifying.[23] In December 2015, Rwanda finished as runners-up in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup 2015, having lost 1–0 to Uganda in the final.[24][25] In January 2016, Rwanda reached the knock-out stages of a major competition for the first time in their history[26] after topping their group at the 2016 African Nations Championship.[27] Rwanda did however lose to eventual champions, DR Congo, 2–1 after extra time in the quarter-final.[28] In March 2016 McKinstry agreed a new two-year contract,[29] though he was sacked just five months later, with Jimmy Mulisa appointed on an interim basis.[30] The Rwanda Football Federation were later ordered by FIFA to compensate McKinstry $200,000 for unlawful dismissal, and though the Rwandan FA initially appealed this ruling, they later complied.[31][32]

In November 2023, Torsten Spittler was appointed as head coach,[33] though he was relieved of his duties in January 2025.[34] Adel Amrouche was appointed in his place in March 2025.[35]

Team image

[edit]

Kit

[edit]

In 2001, after adopting the new flag of Rwanda, The Federation (FERWAFA) changed the color of the team kit. The new team kit consists of a yellow jersey, blue shorts and green socks for home matches, while their away kit is either all white or all blue. Adidas has generally been the manufacturer for the Rwandan team since 2001.[36] However, between 2004 and 2009, Rwanda used L-sport as their outfitter, and in 2015 the side started wearing kit provided by AMS, an emerging Australian supplier.

Names

[edit]

Under the official FIFA Trigramme the team's name is abbreviated as RWA; this acronym is used by FIFA, the CAF and the CECAFA to identify the team in official competitions.[37] However the team was more commonly known as the RR, the acronym for the country's official name, Repubulika y'u Rwanda or République du Rwanda, which the local press used when they referred to the team as the RR XI. The national team is often referred to as Amavubi (The Wasps).[38][39]

Results and fixtures

[edit]
Jean-Claude Iranzi played numerous matches for the national football team of Rwanda

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

[edit]
18 November 2025 AFCON qualification Nigeria  1–2  Rwanda Uyo, Nigeria
16:00 UTC+1
  • Chukwueze 59'
 Report
Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)

2025

[edit]
21 March 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  0–2  Nigeria Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2 Report (FIFA)
Report (CAF)
Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  1–1  Lesotho Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2 Report (FIFA)
Report (CAF)		 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
5 June Friendly Algeria  2–0  Rwanda Constantine, Algeria
17:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium
Referee: Mahmood Ali Ismail (Sudan)
9 June Friendly Algeria A'  2–0  Rwanda Blida, Algeria
20:00 UTC+1
Stadium: Mustapha Tchaker Stadium
6 September 2026 World Cup qualification Nigeria  1–0  Rwanda Uyo, Nigeria
17:00 UTC+1
Report Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
9 September 2026 World Cup qualification Zimbabwe  0–1  Rwanda Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Abdou Abdel Mefire (Cameroon)
10 October 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  0–1  Benin Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
14 October 2026 World Cup qualification South Africa  3–0  Rwanda Mbombela, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Mbombela Stadium
Referee: Mehrez Malki (Tunisia)

2026

[edit]
March 2026 FIFA Series Rwanda  v TBA Rwanda
March 2026 FIFA Series Rwanda  v TBA Rwanda

Coaching history

[edit]
Carlos Alós was the manager of Rwanda between 2022 and 2023
Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

[edit]

Current squad

[edit]

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe on 6 and 9 September 2025.[40]

Caps and goals correct as of 5 June 2025, after the match against Algeria.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Fiacre Ntwari (1999-09-25) 25 September 1999 (age 26) 21 0 South African Football Association Kaizer Chiefs
1GK Pierre Ishimwe (2002-06-16) 16 June 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Rwanda Football Federation APR
1GK Clement Twizere Buhake (1996-07-09) 9 July 1996 (age 29) 2 0 Norwegian Football Federation Ullensaker/Kisa
2DF Fitina Omborenga (1996-05-20) 20 May 1996 (age 29) 60 1 Rwanda Football Federation APR
2DF Thierry Manzi (1996-07-12) 12 July 1996 (age 29) 40 4 Libyan Football Federation Al Ahli
2DF Ange Mutsinzi (1997-11-15) 15 November 1997 (age 28) 30 1 Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan Zira
2DF Claude Niyomugabo (1998-08-02) 2 August 1998 (age 27) 12 0 Rwanda Football Federation APR
2DF Aly-Enzo Hamon (2003-03-30) 30 March 2003 (age 22) 1 0 French Football Federation Angoulême Charente
2DF Phanuel Kavita (1993-03-09) 9 March 1993 (age 32) 1 0 United States Soccer Federation Birmingham Legion
2DF Alexis Nduwayo (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 27) 0 0 Rwanda Football Federation APR
2DF Darryl Nkulikiyimana (2005-05-24) 24 May 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Royal Belgian Football Association Standard Liège
2DF Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (2003-11-30) 30 November 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Rwanda Football Federation Rayon Sports
3MF Djihad Bizimana (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 (age 29) 47 3 Libyan Football Federation Al Ahli
3MF Kevin Muhire (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 27) 38 0 Sudan Football Association Jamus
3MF Bonheur Mugisha (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 26) 16 0 Egyptian Football Association Al Masry
3MF Jojea Kwizera (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 27) 11 2 United States Soccer Federation Rhode Island
3MF Bryan Ngwabije (1998-05-30) 30 May 1998 (age 27) 3 0 French Football Federation Dieppe
3MF Claude Kayibanda (2006-05-28) 28 May 2006 (age 19) 0 0 The Football Association Bedford Town
4FW Innocent Nshuti (1998-01-31) 31 January 1998 (age 27) 19 4 Tunisian Football Federation ES Zarzis
4FW Gilbert Mugisha (1996-07-18) 18 July 1996 (age 29) 19 3 Rwanda Football Federation APR
4FW Abeddy Biramahire (1998-10-04) 4 October 1998 (age 27) 12 2 Algerian Football Federation ES Sétif
4FW Arthur Gitego (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 24) 5 0 Royal Moroccan Football Federation FUS Rabat
4FW Anicet Ishimwe (2003-04-06) 6 April 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Tunisian Football Federation Olympique Béja

Recent call-ups

[edit]

The following players have been called up for Rwanda in the last 12 months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Maxime Wenssens (2001-11-17) 17 November 2001 (age 24) 1 0 Free agent v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
GK Adolphe Hakizimana (2002-02-05) 5 February 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Clement Niyigena (2001-02-17) 17 February 2001 (age 24) 5 0 Rwanda APR v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
DF Hakim Bugingo (2001-01-01) 1 January 2001 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
DF Gilbert Byiringiro (2000-07-01) 1 July 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda APR v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
DF Yunusu Nshimiyimana (2001-12-31) 31 December 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Rwanda APR v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
DF Aimable Nsabimana (1997-06-06) 6 June 1997 (age 28) 8 0 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Christian Ishimwe (1999-02-01) 1 February 1999 (age 26) 4 0 Rwanda APR v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Emmanuel Imanishimwe (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 (age 30) 46 0 Cyprus AEL Limassol v.  Lesotho; 11 June 2024
MF Djabel Manishimwe (1998-05-10) 10 May 1998 (age 27) 15 0 Iraq Naft Al-Wasat v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
MF Steve Rubanguka (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 (age 29) 12 0 Saudi Arabia Al-Nojoom v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
MF Jean Bosco Ruboneka (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 27) 12 0 Rwanda APR v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
MF Samuel Gueulette (2000-05-19) 19 May 2000 (age 25) 11 0 Belgium RAAL La Louvière v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
MF York Rafael (1999-03-17) 17 March 1999 (age 26) 10 0 Egypt ZED v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
MF Hakim Sahabo (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 20) 9 0 Belgium Beerschot v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
FW Didier Mugisha (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 24) 3 0 Rwanda Police v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
FW Hadji Iraguha (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
FW Yves Habimana (2000-04-25) 25 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Free agent v.  Lesotho, 25 March 2025
FW Olivier Dushimimana (2000-04-10) 10 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda APR v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
FW Patrick Sibomana (1996-10-15) 15 October 1996 (age 29) 19 2 Kenya Gor Mahia v.  Lesotho; 11 June 2024
  • DEC Player refused to join the team after the call-up.
  • INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
  • PRE Preliminary squad.
  • RET Player has retired from international football.
  • SUS Serving suspension.

Player records

[edit]
As of 28 December 2024[41]
Players in bold are still active with Rwanda.

Most appearances

[edit]
Rank Name Caps Goals Career
1 Haruna Niyonzima 112 6 2006–2022
2 Jean-Baptiste Mugiraneza 89 6 2006–2018
3 Jean-Claude Iranzi 76 3 2008–2019
4 Fitina Omborenga 75 1 2013–present
5 Olivier Karekezi 70 24 2000–2013
6 Djihad Bizimana 64 3 2015–present
Jean-Luc Ndayishimiye 64 0 2007–2019
8 Meddie Kagere 59 15 2011–present
Jacques Tuyisenge 59 16 2011–2022
10 Thierry Manzi 51 4 2016–present

Top goalscorers

[edit]
Rank Name Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Olivier Karekezi 24 70 0.34 2000–2013
2 Jacques Tuyisenge 16 59 0.27 2011–2022
3 Meddie Kagere 15 59 0.25 2011–present
4 Jean Lomami 14 25 0.56 2003–2009
5 Labama Bokota 13 33 0.39 2007–2012
6 Ernest Sugira 12 36 0.33 2015–2022
7 Saïd Makasi 9 26 0.35 2003–2009
8 Jimmy Gatété 8 41 0.2 1996–2009
9 Daddy Birori 7 25 0.28 2009–2014
Muhadjiri Hakizimana 7 35 0.2 2016–present

Competition records

[edit]

FIFA World Cup

[edit]
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Argentina 1978 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Spain 1982 Did not enter Declined participation
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990 Withdrew Withdrew
United States 1994 Did not enter Declined participation
France 1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 5
South Korea Japan 2002 2 0 1 1 2 4
Germany 2006 12 2 3 7 10 17
South Africa 2010 10 3 2 5 8 11
Brazil 2014 8 1 3 4 7 13
Russia 2018 2 0 0 2 1 4
Qatar 2022 8 2 1 5 12 9
Canada Mexico United States 2026 10 3 2 5 5 9
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/11 54 11 12 31 51 78

CECAFA Cup

[edit]
Main article: CECAFA Cup

Honours

[edit]

Regional

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 22 December 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  3. ^ "Rwanda's football mercenaries". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 January 2004. Archived from the original on 17 July 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  4. ^ "Rwanda snatch dramatic point". BBC Sport. BBC. 28 January 2004. Archived from the original on 17 July 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  5. ^ "Rwanda dumped out". BBC Sport. BBC. 31 January 2004. Archived from the original on 10 February 2018. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  6. ^ "Kuze appointed Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 3 November 2007. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  7. ^ "Croatian coach Kuze quits Rwanda". BBC Sport. 9 January 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  8. ^ "Shungu takes charge of Rwanda". BBC Sport. 11 April 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  9. ^ "Tucak appointed Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 27 April 2008. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  10. ^ "Rwanda sack Croatian coach Tucak". BBC Sport. 24 November 2009. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  11. ^ "Rwanda seal Tetteh coaching deal". BBC Sport. 18 February 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  12. ^ "Sellas Tetteh qualifies Rwanda to CHAN tourney". MyJoyOnline. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  13. ^ "African Nations Championship 2011". www.rsssf.org. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  14. ^ "Ghanaian Sellas Tetteh steps down as coach of Rwanda". BBC Sport. 6 September 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  15. ^ "Milutin Sredojevic appointed Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 1 November 2011. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  16. ^ "Rwanda part company with coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic". BBC Sport. 17 April 2013. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  17. ^ Yahyaoui, Houssem (22 April 2013). "Rwanda: Eric Nshimiyimana, new coach! - Africa Top Sports". Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  18. ^ "Stephen Constantine appointed Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 14 May 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  19. ^ Crocker, Sam (9 October 2014). "Stephen Constantine: I'm quite happy to do the jobs that nobody else wants". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  20. ^ "Constantine resigns from Amavubi". The New Times. 15 January 2015. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  21. ^ "Rwanda name 29-year-old McKinstry coach". ESPN.com. 20 March 2015. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  22. ^ "Lee Johnson resigns, to join Constantine in India". The New Times. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 6 December 2025.
  23. ^ Komugisha, Usher (15 June 2015). "Rwanda/Mozambique: Country Ends Four-Year Away Jinx in Afcon Qualifiers". The New Times (Kigali). Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  24. ^ "Uganda wins record 14th CECAFA title". The New Times | Rwanda. 5 December 2015. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  25. ^ "FERWAFA -Rwanda settle for second spot in Cecafa Challenge Cup". ferwafa.rw. Archived from the original on 17 May 2018. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  26. ^ "Amavubi seek to top Group A unbeaten". The New Times | Rwanda. 23 January 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  27. ^ "Rwanda top Chan Group A". Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  28. ^ "CHAN 2016: DR Congo beat Rwanda 2–1 in extra-time". BBC Sport. 2016. Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  29. ^ "McKinstry extends Rwanda contract". Retrieved 16 May 2018.
  30. ^ "Johnny Mckinstry 'surprised' after his sacking as Rwanda coach". BBC Sport. 19 August 2016. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  31. ^ "Rwanda files appeal to Fifa over McKinstry ruling". BBC Sport. 8 May 2018. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  32. ^ "McKinstry Welcomes Rwanda's Move to Compensate Contract Breach". KT PRESS. 27 April 2019. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  33. ^ Abayisenga, Eddy (1 November 2023). "Torsten Spittler Appointed New Amavubi Coach". KT PRESS. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  34. ^ Gyimah, Edmund Okai (23 January 2025). "Spittler's departure: How Amavubi may be affected". The New Times. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  35. ^ Kariuki, Erick (3 March 2025). "Adel Amrouche appointed Rwanda national team Head Coach". The Eastleigh Voice News. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
  36. ^ "Rwanda football shirt 1994 – 1996". oldfootballshirts.com. 14 December 2011. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  37. ^ "Member Association – Rwanda". FIFA.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on 6 July 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  38. ^ "Rwanda football Boss Rallies The Wasps Ahead Of Benin Clash - Goal.com". goal.com. Goal. 29 September 2010. Archived from the original on 26 December 2018. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  39. ^ "Rwanda's Amavumbi Stars invite Uganda Cranes on Feb 6th". starafrica.com. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  40. ^ @FERWAFA (26 August 2025). "Provisional Amavubi List For The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers vs Nigeria & Zimbabwe" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 August 2025 – via Twitter.
  41. ^ "Rwanda". National Football Teams.
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