Rwanda national football team

Last updated

Rwanda
Rwanda FA.png
Nickname(s) Amavubi (The Wasps)
Association Rwanda Football Federation
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation CECAFA (East Africa)
Head coach Torsten Spittler
Captain Haruna Niyonzima
Most caps Haruna Niyonzima (110)
Top scorer Olivier Karekezi (24)
Home stadium Stade Amahoro, Nyamirambo Regional Stadium
FIFA code RWA
Kit left arm thingreenborder.png
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Kit body erreajaro1819yg.png
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Kit right arm thingreenborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts erreajaro1819gy.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm thinyellowborder.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body erreajaro1819bly.png
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Kit right arm thinyellowborder.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts erreajaro1819bly.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 133 Steady2.svg (15 February 2024) [1]
Highest64 (March 2015)
Lowest178 (July 1999)
First international
Flag of Burundi (1967-1982).svg  Burundi 6–2 Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg
(Libreville, Gabon; 29 June 1976)
Biggest win
Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda 9–0 Djibouti  Flag of Djibouti.svg
(Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; 13 December 2007)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Cameroon.svg  Cameroon 5–0 Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg
(Libreville, Gabon; 7 July 1976)
Flag of Zaire (1971-1997).svg  Zaire 6–1 Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg
(Gabon; 12 July 1976)
Flag of Tunisia (1959-1999).svg  Tunisia 5–0 Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg
(Tunis, Tunisia; 10 April 1983)
Flag of Uganda.svg  Uganda 5–0 Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda (1962-2001).svg
(Kampala, Uganda; 1 August 1998)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2004 )
Best resultGroup stage (2004)

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.

Contents

History

Rwanda qualified for its first Africa Cup of Nations in the 2004 edition. [2] 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. [3] 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. [4]

Team image

Kit

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. [5] 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

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. [6] 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). [7] [8]

Results and fixtures

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

2023

29 March 2023 AFCON qualification Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda.svg0–3
(awarded)
Flag of Benin.svg  Benin Kigali, Rwanda
15:00  UTC+2
  • Manzi Soccerball shade.svg71'
Report
Stadium: Kigali Pelé Stadium
Referee: Abdulkadir Artan (Somalia)
18 June 2023 AFCON qualification Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda.svg0–2Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique Butare, Rwanda
15:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Stade Huye
Referee: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
9 September 2023 AFCON qualification Senegal  Flag of Senegal.svg1–1Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda Butare, Rwanda
21:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Stade Huye
Referee: Haythem Guirat (Tunisia)
15 November 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda.svg0–0Flag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwe Butare, Rwanda
15:00  UTC+2 Report Stadium: Stade Huye
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Mohamed Ali Moussa (Niger)
21 November 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  Flag of Rwanda.svg2–0Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa Butare, Rwanda
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: Stade Huye
Referee: Amin Omar (Egypt)

2024

22 March Friendly Botswana  Flag of Botswana.svg0–0Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Madagascar  Flag of Madagascar.svg0–2Flag of Rwanda.svg  Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
16:00  UTC+3 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa on 15 and 21 November 2023. [9]

Caps and goals correct as of 21 November 2023, after the match against Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa .
No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Fiacre Ntwari (1999-09-25) 25 September 1999 (age 24)140 Flag of Rwanda.svg AS Kigali
1 GK Gad Muhawenayo (1995-11-30) 30 November 1995 (age 28)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Musanze Butare
1 GK Jimmy Djihad Nzeyurwanda 00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports

2 DF Fitina Omborenga (1996-05-20) 20 May 1996 (age 27)631 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
2 DF Emmanuel Imanishimwe (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 (age 29)420 Flag of Morocco.svg AS FAR
2 DF Thierry Manzi (1996-07-12) 12 July 1996 (age 27)424 Flag of Rwanda.svg AS Kigali
2 DF Abdul Rwatubyaye (1996-10-23) 23 October 1996 (age 27)333 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports
2 DF Ange Mutsinzi (1997-11-15) 15 November 1997 (age 26)200 Flag of Norway.svg Jerv
2 DF Ali Serumogo (1995-01-01) 1 January 1995 (age 29)130 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports
2 DF Jean Claude Niyomugabo (1998-08-02) 2 August 1998 (age 25)70 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
2 DF Clément Niyigena (2001-02-17) 17 February 2001 (age 23)50 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
2 DF Christian Ishimwe (1999-02-01) 1 February 1999 (age 25)40 Flag of Rwanda.svg AS Kigali
2 DF Isaac Mitima (1997-12-16) 16 December 1997 (age 26)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports

3 MF Djihad Bizimana (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 (age 27)541 Flag of Ukraine.svg Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih
3 MF Kevin Muhire (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 25)310 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports
3 MF Olivier Niyonzima (1993-01-01) 1 January 1993 (age 31)273 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports
3 MF Lague Byiringiro (2000-10-25) 25 October 2000 (age 23)121 Flag of Sweden.svg Sandvikens IF
3 MF Jean Bosco Ruboneka (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 25)90 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
3 MF Bonheur Mugisha (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 24)80 Flag of Libya.svg Al Ahli Tripoli
3 MF Hakim Sahabo (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 18)70 Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Standard Liège
3 MF Elie Tatou Iradukunda (2006-10-01) 1 October 2006 (age 17)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Mukura Victory Sports
3 MF Froduard Mugiraneza (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 27)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports

4 FW Patrick Sibomana (1996-10-15) 15 October 1996 (age 27)192 Flag of Mozambique.svg Ferroviário da Beira
4 FW Innocent Nshuti (1998-01-31) 31 January 1998 (age 26)133 Flag of the United States.svg One Knoxville
4 FW York Rafael (1999-03-17) 17 March 1999 (age 25)100 Flag of Sweden.svg Gefle
4 FW Gilbert Mugisha (1996-07-18) 18 July 1996 (age 27)72 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR
4 FW Yves Mugunga (1997-05-01) 1 May 1997 (age 26)61 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports
4 FW Bienvenu Mugenzi (1993-11-08) 8 November 1993 (age 30)50 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police
4 FW Didier Mugisha (1996-11-28) 28 November 1996 (age 27)20 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police
4 FW Arthur Gitego (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 22)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg Marines
4 FW Alain Kwitonda (1997-10-05) 5 October 1997 (age 26)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR

Recent call-ups

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

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Olivier Kwizera (1995-07-30) 30 July 1995 (age 28)200 Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Al-Kawkab v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
GK Pierre Ishimwe (2002-06-16) 16 June 2002 (age 21)30 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023

DF Aimable Nsabimana (1997-06-06) 6 June 1997 (age 26)80 Flag of Rwanda.svg Kiyovu Sports v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
DF Elie Ganijuru (1998-07-23) 23 July 1998 (age 25)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023

MF Dominique Savio Nshuti (1997-01-01) 1 January 1997 (age 27)393 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique ; 18 June 2023
MF Steve Rubanguka (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 (age 27)40 Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg Al-Nojoom v. Flag of Mozambique.svg  Mozambique ; 18 June 2023
MF Ally Niyonzima (1996-02-11) 11 February 1996 (age 28)220 Flag of Burundi.svg Bumamuru v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
MF Hadji Iraguha (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 25)10 Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
MF Simeon Iradukunda (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 25)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg Gorilla v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023

FW Muhadjiri Hakizimana (1994-08-13) 13 August 1994 (age 29)347 Flag of Rwanda.svg Police v. Flag of Senegal.svg  Senegal ; 9 September 2023
FW Meddie Kagere (1986-10-10) 10 October 1986 (age 37)5915 Flag of Tanzania.svg Singida United v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
FW Fred Muhozi (1999-04-11) 11 April 1999 (age 24)81 Flag of Rwanda.svg Espoir FC v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
FW Glen Habimana (2001-11-13) 13 November 2001 (age 22)40 Flag of Luxembourg.svg Victoria Rosport v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
FW Yannick Bizimana (1998-06-02) 2 June 1998 (age 25)30 Flag of Rwanda.svg APR v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023
FW Moise Nyarugabo (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 21)00 Flag of Rwanda.svg AS Kigali v. Flag of Benin.svg  Benin ; 29 March 2023

  • 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

As of 21 November 2023 [10]
Players in bold are still active with Rwanda.

Most appearances

RankNameCapsGoalsCareer
1 Haruna Niyonzima 11262006–present
2 Jean-Baptiste Mugiraneza 8962006–2018
3 Jean-Claude Iranzi 7632008–2019
4 Olivier Karekezi 70242000–2013
5 Jean-Luc Ndayishimiye 6402007–2019
6 Fitina Omborenga 6312013–present
7 Meddie Kagere 59152011–present
Jacques Tuyisenge 59162011–present
9 Djihad Bizimana 5412015–present
10 Jean-Claude Ndoli 5002005–2014

Top goalscorers

RankNameGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Olivier Karekezi 24700.342000–2013
2 Jacques Tuyisenge 16590.272011–present
3 Meddie Kagere 15590.252011–present
4 Jean Lomami 14250.562003–2009
5 Labama Bokota 13330.392007–2012
6 Ernest Sugira 12360.332015–present
7 Saïd Makasi 9260.352003–2009
8 Jimmy Gatété 8410.21996–2009
9 Daddy Birori 7250.282009–2014
Muhadjiri Hakizimana 7340.212016–present

Competition records

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record FIFA World Cup qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
Flag of Argentina.svg 1978 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
Flag of Spain.svg 1982 Did not enterDeclined participation
Flag of Mexico.svg 1986
Flag of Italy.svg 1990 WithdrewWithdrew
Flag of the United States.svg 1994 Did not enterDeclined participation
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 Did not qualify200215
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 201124
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 122371017
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 10325811
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 8134713
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 200214
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 8215129
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined211020
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal.svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total0/1146911264363

CECAFA Cup

Honours

See also

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