Rwanda’s Under-23 national team will begin its quest for a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations when it hosts Sudan at Kigali Pele Stadium on Sept. 30.
The match, scheduled for 6 p.m., will be the opening fixture of Rwanda’s preliminary qualifying campaign for the tournament, which will be held in Egypt in November 2027.
Midfielder Didier Ndayishimiye has urged supporters to fill the stadium and back the team as it starts the campaign.
“We invite you to the match against Sudan on Sept. 30. Come and support us, and we promise you victory,” the Rayon Sports player said.
Coach Eric Nshimiyimana, who is also an assistant coach of the senior Amavubi team, has selected a squad featuring players from clubs in Rwanda and abroad.
Among them are Rayon Sports duo Ndayishimiye and Daniel Muhoza, AS Kigali’s Hoziana Kennedy, Marine FC players Sultan Sibomana and Sindi Paul Jesus, Police FC’s Byishimo Valua and David Niyo, who plays for NK Veres Rivne in Ukraine.
The Sudan encounter is important beyond the U23 continental competition. The two teams are competing for a place in the qualifying process that leads to the 2027 tournament in Egypt.
The competition also has an Olympic dimension. The two teams that reach the final of the 2027 U23 Africa Cup of Nations will represent Africa at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Rwanda is therefore entering the campaign with a place at both continental and Olympic level potentially at stake.
Fans attending Wednesday’s match will pay Rwf30,000 for VVIP seats, Rwf15,000 for VIP, Rwf5,000 for covered stands and Rwf2,000 for uncovered sections.
Kick-off is set for 6 p.m. at Kigali Pele Stadium.
