Rwanda suffer upset defeat, diminish their 2025 AFCON hopes

Rwanda's men's national football team suffered a shattering 1-0 loss to Libya in Thursday's 2025 AFCON Qualifying clash held at Amahoro Stadium.

The defeat dashed Amavubi's hopes of advancing to the 2025 AFCON, due in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Substitute Fahd Saad Mohamed scored the late winner for the Mediterranean Knights to hand Libya a huge victory as Frank Torsten Spittler's men squandered several scoring chances throughout the game.

Amavubi had plenty of ball possession and produced clear-cut chances, although they were inefficient in front of the goal against a side 122nd on the latest FIFA Ranking.

Libya were too direct and made outstanding use of their few chances as they netted one of their two shots on target in the second half.

With Rwanda getting off to an impressive start, they created some scoring opportunities in the first half. Gilbert Mugisha attempted a back-heel shot after Djihad Bizimana’s corner kick in the 42nd minute, but Libya goalkeeper Mourad Al Wuhayshi cleared it off the line.

Frank Torsten Spittler adjusted at halftime, with Kevin Muhire and Olivier Dushimimana coming on for Samuel Gueulette and Jojea Kwizera.

Amavubi maintained their utter dominance in the second half and reached the final third more times than the visitors. Innocent Nshuti had two clear-cut chances only five minutes from the break, but he was unable to handle the situation alone.

Thierry Manzi should have put Amavubi ahead in the 58th minute when he failed to score from a very close range.

Nshuti, once more, blazed over his header after Bizimana set him up in the 66th minute.

Photo: Rwanda's skipper Djihad Bizimana attempts to dribble past Ezzeddine Al Mariami during Libya's 1-0 win over Rwanda.

Nasser Al Hadhirinew's side had their first attempt to score in the second half in the 71st minute, with Osama Al Shreimy striking from outside the box but his low effort was denied by Amavubi goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari. However, their second attempt led to a goal in the 83rd minute.

The visitors launched a counterattack, and Noureddine Al Gleib deftly set Saad Mohamed up to fire into the top corner of the net.

Al Wuhayshi made back-to-back crucial saves in the dying time as he cleared Manzi and Dushimimana’s efforts off the line.

"The problem is we are not cool enough in front of the goal, and this is something hard to train," said Amavubi head coach Torsten Spittler in a post-game press conference.

Rwanda stayed in third spot with five points in Group D after five matches. Libya improved to four points but remained in rock-bottom place.

Nigeria top the group with 11 points and qualified for the 2025 AFCON, following their 1-1 draw against Benin. Meanwhile, the Cheetahs sit in second place with seven points.

Should Amavubi beat Nigeria in their final 2025 AFCON Qualifying game, which will be held at Uyo Township Stadium in Nigeria on 18 November, and Libya defeat Benin, they will qualify for the competition.

Photo: Gilbert Mugisha threatened to score on several occasions during Libya's 1-0 win over Rwanda.

Photo: Rwanda's Thierry Manzi and Kevin Muhire were upset by conceding a goal.