With their hopes hanging by a thread, Rwanda's path to qualification now depends on a crucial victory over Nigeria on November 18, 2024 while hoping for a Libyan win over Benin.
Amavubi's match against Libya kicked off with high energy, as over 75,000 fans packed Amahoro Stadium to full capacity, eager to witness a decisive performance. From the start, Rwanda looked the stronger side, dominating possession and pressing Libya's defense with aggressive play.
Within the first 15 minutes, Rwanda had five direct shots on goal, signaling their intent to seize the win. The first real attempt came in the 6th minute from Gilbert Mugisha, whose powerful shot forced a commendable save from Libya's goalkeeper Aboubakar.
Rwanda's midfield was anchored by Emmanuel Manishimwe, whose ball control and distribution were crucial in Amavubi's early attacks, though he faced intense pressure from Libya's defenders.
Amavubi displayed great teamwork and creativity, with Captain Djihad Bizimana leading the charge. Their pace and coordination unsettled Libya's defense, and Rwanda looked poised to break the deadlock.
Libya, however, took a defensive stance, concentrating on containing Rwanda's advances and occasionally testing Rwanda's keeper, Ntwari Fiacre. In the 9th minute, Libya managed their first shot on target, a long-range attempt that went just wide, catching Fiacre by surprise.
By the 20th minute, Rwanda came close to scoring through Nshuti Innocent, who connected with a precise cross from Bizimana. His shot grazed the goal, sending the crowd into a brief roar, only for it to settle as the ball slipped wide.
Despite Libya's defensive posture, Rwanda continued to control possession and create opportunities. Amavubi earned their first corner in the 26th minute, a chance they could not capitalize on, as Libya's defense cleared it.
Just before halftime, Mutsinzi missed a close chance from another corner, as Libya's defenders deflected the ball, maintaining the scoreline at 0-0 as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
The second half began with renewed energy and intensity from Rwanda, who pressed forward with urgency. Amavubi's hunger was evident as they pushed Libya further back. Kevin Muhire came close in the 50th minute, firing a powerful shot that narrowly missed the target after a well-placed pass from Bizimana.
Two minutes later, Thierry Manzi missed a similar opportunity, frustrating the fans who felt Rwanda deserved a goal. Despite dominating possession and outplaying Libya tactically, Rwanda struggled to convert their chances into goals.
Libya's defense held firm under Rwanda's relentless attack, and as time passed, the match's tension rose. Libya's Saleh Ahmed was shown a yellow card in the 69th minute after a tough tackle on Manzi, and frustration began to show on both sides.
Rwanda was awarded a free kick about 28 yards from Libya's goal, but the attempt did not yield a goal. Shortly after, Manzi earned a yellow card for a foul committed out of frustration.
In a final push, Rwanda's coach Torsten Spittler introduced Hadji Iraguha in the 80th minute, hoping to break the deadlock. But in a devastating twist, Libya's Fayid Mohamed capitalized on a rare opportunity in the 84th minute.
Mohamed struck a well-placed shot past Fiacre, silencing the stadium and stunning the Rwandan players. Libya's single goal was enough to deflate Rwanda's chances, and though Amavubi rallied in the closing minutes, the final whistle confirmed a 1-0 loss.
Later in the day, Benin's draw with Nigeria took them to 7 points, placing them second behind Nigeria, who now leads the group with 11 points. Rwanda remains at 5 points, with their only path to qualification resting on a win against Nigeria in their final game, alongside a Libya win over Benin.
The result left Rwanda's fans disheartened but still clinging to hope. Amavubi's journey has been marked by promise and resilience, and despite this setback, they have one last opportunity to keep their AFCON dream alive.
A win against Nigeria, combined with a bit of luck, could potentially break Rwanda's 20-year AFCON drought.
As Rwanda prepares for their final group match, the players know that only their best performance can salvage their AFCON hopes. With a supportive home crowd behind them, they'll take to the field in the next few days away from home.
Sam K Nkurunziza
