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Rwanda national football team

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

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.

Rwanda
Nickname(s)Amavubi (The Wasps)
AssociationRwanda Football Federation
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 130 Decrease 6 (3 April 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)
Afro-Asian Games
Appearances1 (first in 2003)
Best resultFourth place (2003)

History

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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]

Team image

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Kit

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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.[6] 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

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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.[7] 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).[8][9]

Results and fixtures

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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

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22 March Friendly Botswana   0–0   Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
16:00 UTC+3 Report Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Madagascar   0–2   Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
16:00 UTC+3 Report
Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
6 June 2026 World Cup qualification Benin   1–0   Rwanda Abidjan, Ivory Coast
19:00 UTC+0
Report Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Attendance: 3,600
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
11 June 2026 World Cup qualification Lesotho   0–1   Rwanda Durban, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: Aklesso Gnama (Togo)
4 September 2025 AFCON qualification Libya   1–1   Rwanda Tripoli, Libya
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Tripoli Stadium
Referee: Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda   0–0   Nigeria Kigali, Rwanda
17:00 UTC+2 Report Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Karim Sabry (Morocco)
11 October 2025 AFCON qualification Benin   3–0   Rwanda Abidjan, Ivory Coast
16:00 UTC+0
Report Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Referee: Lyes Bekouassa (Algeria)
15 October 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda   2–1   Benin Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Andofetra Rakotojaona (Madagascar)
27 October 2024 CHAN qualification Djibouti   1–0   Rwanda Kigali, Rwanda
16:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
31 October 2024 CHAN qualification Rwanda   3–0
(3–1 agg.)		   Djibouti Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2
Report Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Note: Rwanda won 3–1 on aggregate.
10 November 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda   0–1   Libya Kigali, Rwanda
17:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)
18 November 2025 AFCON qualification Nigeria   1–2   Rwanda Uyo, Nigeria
16:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)

2025

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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
September 2026 World Cup qualification Nigeria   v   Rwanda
September 2026 World Cup qualification Zimbabwe   v   Rwanda
October 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda   v   Benin
October 2026 World Cup qualification South Africa   v   Rwanda

Coaching history

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Carlos Alós became the manager of Rwanda in 2022
Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C matches against Nigeria and Lesotho on 21 and 25 March 2025.[10]

Caps and goals correct as of 25 March 2025, after the match against Lesotho.
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Fiacre Ntwari (1999-09-25) 25 September 1999 (age 25) 20 0   Kaizer Chiefs
1GK Pierre Ishimwe (2002-06-16) 16 June 2002 (age 23) 3 0   APR
1GK Clement Twizere Buhake (1996-07-09) 9 July 1996 (age 28) 2 0   Ullensaker/Kisa
1GK Maxime Wenssens (2001-11-17) 17 November 2001 (age 23) 1 0 Free agent
2DF Fitina Omborenga (1996-05-20) 20 May 1996 (age 29) 60 1   Rayon Sports
2DF Thierry Manzi (1996-07-12) 12 July 1996 (age 28) 40 4   Al Ahli
2DF Ange Mutsinzi (1997-11-15) 15 November 1997 (age 27) 30 1   Zira
2DF Claude Niyomugabo (1998-08-02) 2 August 1998 (age 26) 11 0   APR
2DF Clement Niyigena (2001-02-17) 17 February 2001 (age 24) 5 0   APR
2DF Hakim Bugingo (2001-01-01) 1 January 2001 (age 24) 0 0   Rayon Sports
2DF Gilbert Byiringiro (2000-07-01) 1 July 2000 (age 24) 0 0   APR
2DF Yunusu Nshimiyimana (2001-12-31) 31 December 2001 (age 23) 0 0   APR
3MF Djihad Bizimana (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 (age 28) 46 3   Al Ahli
3MF Kevin Muhire (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 26) 36 0   Rayon Sports
3MF Djabel Manishimwe (1998-05-10) 10 May 1998 (age 27) 15 0   Naft Al-Wasat
3MF Bonheur Mugisha (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 25) 15 0   Stade Tunisien
3MF Steve Rubanguka (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 (age 28) 12 0   Al-Nojoom
3MF Jean Bosco Ruboneka (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 26) 12 0   APR
3MF Samuel Gueulette (2000-05-19) 19 May 2000 (age 25) 11 0   RAAL La Louvière
3MF Jojea Kwizera (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 26) 10 2   Rhode Island
3MF York Rafael (1999-03-17) 17 March 1999 (age 26) 10 0   ZED
3MF Hakim Sahabo (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 20) 9 0   Beerschot
4FW Innocent Nshuti (1998-01-31) 31 January 1998 (age 27) 18 4   Sabail
4FW Gilbert Mugisha (1996-07-18) 18 July 1996 (age 28) 18 3   APR
4FW Didier Mugisha (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 24) 3 0   Police
4FW Hadji Iraguha (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 26) 1 0   Rayon Sports
4FW Yves Habimana 0 0 Free agent
4FW Anicet Ishimwe (2003-04-06) 6 April 2003 (age 22) 0 0   Olympique Béja

Recent call-ups

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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 Adolphe Hakizimana (2002-02-05) 5 February 2002 (age 23) 1 0   Rayon Sports v.   Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Aimable Nsabimana (1997-06-06) 6 June 1997 (age 28) 8 0   Kiyovu Sports v.   Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Christian Ishimwe (1999-02-01) 1 February 1999 (age 26) 4 0   APR v.   Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Emmanuel Imanishimwe (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 (age 30) 46 0   AEL Limassol v.   Lesotho; 11 June 2024
FW Arthur Gitego (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 23) 6 0   Marines v.   Nigeria, 10 September 2024
FW Olivier Dushimimana (2000-04-10) 10 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0   APR v.   Nigeria, 10 September 2024
FW Patrick Sibomana (1996-10-15) 15 October 1996 (age 28) 19 2   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

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As of 28 December 2024[11]
Players in bold are still active with Rwanda.

Most appearances

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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

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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

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
  1978 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
  1982 Did not enter Declined participation
  1986
  1990 Withdrew Withdrew
  1994 Did not enter Declined participation
  1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 5
    2002 2 0 1 1 2 4
  2006 12 2 3 7 10 17
  2010 10 3 2 5 8 11
  2014 8 1 3 4 7 13
  2018 2 0 0 2 1 4
  2022 8 2 1 5 12 9
      2026 To be determined 6 2 2 2 4 4
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total 0/11 50 10 12 28 45 67

CECAFA Cup

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Main article: CECAFA Cup

Honours

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Regional

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 3 April 2025. Retrieved 3 April 2025.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 18 June 2025. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  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. ^ "Rwanda football shirt 1994 – 1996". oldfootballshirts.com. 14 December 2011. Archived from the original on 11 August 2016. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  7. ^ "Member Association – Rwanda". FIFA.com. FIFA. Archived from the original on 6 July 2007. Retrieved 19 June 2016.
  8. ^ "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.
  9. ^ "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.
  10. ^ "Provisional Squad For Math 5&6 Of The 2026 World Cup Qualifiers". Twitter. Rwanda FA. 15 March 2025. Retrieved 26 March 2025.
  11. ^ "Rwanda". National Football Teams.
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