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Rwanda national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Rwanda women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Rwanda
Nickname(s) Amavubi (The Wasps)
Association Rwanda Football Federation
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation CECAFA (East Africa)
Head coach Adel Amrouche
Captain Djihad Bizimana
Most caps Haruna Niyonzima (112)
Top scorer Olivier Karekezi (24)
Home stadium Amahoro Stadium
FIFA code RWA
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 135 Increase 2 (7 February 2019)
Highest 64 (March 2015)
Lowest 178 (July 1999)
Elo ranking
Current 144 Decrease 8 (3 March 2019)
Highest 95 (October 2008)
Lowest 150 (July 1996)
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
Appearances 1 (first in 2004)
Best result Group stage (2004)
Afro-Asian Games
Appearances 1 (first in 2003)
Best result Fourth place (2003)

The Rwanda national football team plays for Rwanda in international football games. The team is managed by the Rwandese Association Football Federation. This group is in charge of all football in Rwanda.

Rwanda is part of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They are also members of the Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA). CECAFA helps organize football in East and Central Africa. The team is known as Amavubi, which means The Wasps in Kinyarwanda. They usually play their home games at the Stade Amahoro in Kigali, Rwanda's capital city. The team has never played in a FIFA World Cup. Their only appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations was in 2004.

Team History and Achievements

Rwanda made history by qualifying for their first ever Africa Cup of Nations in 2004. In that tournament, they lost their first game 2–1 to Tunisia. Then, they earned their first point in the competition with a 1–1 draw against Guinea.

Rwanda then beat DR Congo 1–0 in their last group match. However, this win was not enough. Guinea and Tunisia drew their match, which meant both teams moved on to the next round. Rwanda was eliminated from the tournament.

Team Look and Nickname

Team Kit Colors

In 2001, Rwanda changed its national flag. Because of this, the football federation (FERWAFA) also changed the team's uniform colors. The home kit now has a yellow jersey, blue shorts, and green socks. For away games, the team wears either all white or all blue uniforms.

Adidas has made Rwanda's kits since 2001. However, between 2004 and 2009, the team used L-sport uniforms. In 2015, they started wearing kits from AMS, an Australian company.

Why "The Wasps"?

The team's official short name used by FIFA and other football groups is RWA. This comes from "Rwanda." But many people call the team Amavubi, which means The Wasps. This nickname is very popular!

Recent Games and Future Matches

Iranzi amavubi 2016
Jean-Claude Iranzi played many games for Rwanda's national football team.

Here are the results from the team's games in the last year. You can also see any games they have planned for the future.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

Games Played in 2024

22 March Friendly Botswana  0–0  Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
16:00 UTC+3 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Madagascar  0–2  Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
16:00 UTC+3
  • Mugisha Goal 29'
  • Bizimana Goal 91'
 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
6 June 2026 World Cup qualification Benin  1–0  Rwanda Abidjan, Ivory Coast
19:00 UTC±0
  • Dokou Goal 37'
 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
  • Kwizera Goal 67'
 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
  • Al-Dhawi Goal 16'
  • Nshuti Goal 47'
 Stadium: Tripoli Stadium
Referee: Imtehaz Heeralall (Mauritius)
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda  0–0  Nigeria Kigali, Rwanda
17:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Karim Sabry (Morocco)
11 October 2025 AFCON qualification Benin  3–0  Rwanda Abidjan, Ivory Coast
16:00 UTC±0
  • Mounié Goal 50'
  • Hountondji Goal 67'
  • Imourane Goal 70'
 Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
Referee: Lyes Bekouassa (Algeria)
15 October 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda  2–1  Benin Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2
  • Nshuti Goal 70'
  • Bizimana Goal 75' (pen.)
  • Hountondji Goal 42'
 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Andofetra Rakotojaona (Madagascar)
27 October 2024 CHAN qualification Djibouti  1–0  Rwanda Kigali, Rwanda
16:00 UTC+2
  • Dadzie Goal 79'
 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
31 October 2024 CHAN qualification Rwanda  3–0
(3–1 agg.)		  Djibouti Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2
  • Muzungu Goal 11'
  • Muzungu Goal 24'
  • Tuyisenge Goal 90'
 Stadium: Kigali Stadium
Note: Rwanda won 3–1 on aggregate.
10 November 2025 AFCON qualification Rwanda  0–1  Libya Kigali, Rwanda
17:00 UTC+2
  • Mohamed Goal 84'
 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)
18 November 2025 AFCON qualification Nigeria  1–2  Rwanda Uyo, Nigeria
16:00 UTC+1
  • Chukwueze Goal 59'
  • Mutsinzi Goal 72'
  • Nshuti Goal 75'
 Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)

Games Played in 2025

21 March 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  0–2  Nigeria Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Rwanda  1–1  Lesotho Kigali, Rwanda
18:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Amahoro Stadium
5 June Friendly Algeria  2–0  Rwanda Constantine, Algeria
17:00 UTC+1
  • Belaïli Goal 28'
  • Hadjam Goal 58'
 Stadium: Mohamed Hamlaoui Stadium
Referee: Mahmood Ali Ismail (Sudan)
9 June Friendly Algeria A'  2–0  Rwanda Blida, Algeria
20:00 UTC+1
  • Boulbina Goal 40'
  • Khacef Goal 71'
 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

Who Has Coached the Team?

Carlós Alós Ferrer (cropped) 2
Carlos Alós became the manager of Rwanda in 2022.

Many coaches have led the Rwandan national football team over the years. Some coaches were temporary, and they are shown in italics.

  • West Germany Otto Pfister (1972–76)
  • Turkey Metin Türel (1991)
  • Rwanda Longin Rudasingwa (1998-1999)
  • Germany Rudi Gutendorf (1999–00)
  • Rwanda Longin Rudasingwa (2000–01)
  • Serbia and Montenegro Ratomir Dujković (2001–04)
  • Sweden Roger Palmgren (2004–05)
  • Germany Michael Nees (2006–07)
  • Croatia Josip Kuže (2007–08)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo Raoul Shungu (2008)
  • Croatia Branko Tucak (2008–09)
  • Rwanda Eric Nshimiyimana (2009–10)
  • Ghana Sellas Tetteh (2010–11)
  • Serbia Milutin Sredojević (2011–13)
  • Rwanda Eric Nshimiyimana (2013–14)
  • England Stephen Constantine (2014–2015)
  • England Lee Johnson (2015)
  • Northern Ireland Johnny McKinstry (2015–16)
  • Rwanda Gilbert Kanyankore (2016)
  • Rwanda Jimmy Mulisa (2016)
  • Germany Antoine Hey (2017–2018)
  • Rwanda François Karekezi
  • Rwanda Vincent Mashami (2018–2022)
  • Spain Carlos Alós (2022–2023)
  • France Gerard Buscher (2023)
  • Germany Torsten Spittler (2023–)

Meet the Players

Current Team Members

These players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group C games against Nigeria and Lesotho in March 2025.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals scored are correct as of March 25, 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 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs
1GK Pierre Ishimwe (2002-06-16) 16 June 2002 (age 23) 3 0 Rwanda APR
1GK Clement Twizere Buhake (1996-07-09) 9 July 1996 (age 29) 2 0 Norway 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 Rwanda Rayon Sports
2DF Thierry Manzi (1996-07-12) 12 July 1996 (age 29) 40 4 Libya Al Ahli
2DF Ange Mutsinzi (1997-11-15) 15 November 1997 (age 27) 30 1 Azerbaijan Zira
2DF Claude Niyomugabo (1998-08-02) 2 August 1998 (age 27) 11 0 Rwanda APR
2DF Clement Niyigena (2001-02-17) 17 February 2001 (age 24) 5 0 Rwanda APR
2DF Hakim Bugingo (2001-01-01) 1 January 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports
2DF Gilbert Byiringiro (2000-07-01) 1 July 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda APR
2DF Yunusu Nshimiyimana (2001-12-31) 31 December 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Rwanda APR
3MF Djihad Bizimana (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 (age 28) 46 3 Libya Al Ahli
3MF Kevin Muhire (1998-10-17) 17 October 1998 (age 26) 36 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports
3MF Djabel Manishimwe (1998-05-10) 10 May 1998 (age 27) 15 0 Iraq Naft Al-Wasat
3MF Bonheur Mugisha (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 25) 15 0 Tunisia Stade Tunisien
3MF Steve Rubanguka (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 (age 28) 12 0 Saudi Arabia Al-Nojoom
3MF Jean Bosco Ruboneka (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 26) 12 0 Rwanda APR
3MF Samuel Gueulette (2000-05-19) 19 May 2000 (age 25) 11 0 Belgium RAAL La Louvière
3MF Jojea Kwizera (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 26) 10 2 United States Rhode Island
3MF York Rafael (1999-03-17) 17 March 1999 (age 26) 10 0 Egypt ZED
3MF Hakim Sahabo (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 20) 9 0 Belgium Beerschot
4FW Innocent Nshuti (1998-01-31) 31 January 1998 (age 27) 18 4 Azerbaijan Sabail
4FW Gilbert Mugisha (1996-07-18) 18 July 1996 (age 29) 18 3 Rwanda APR
4FW Didier Mugisha (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 24) 3 0 Rwanda Police
4FW Hadji Iraguha (1998-07-18) 18 July 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Rwanda Rayon Sports
4FW Yves Habimana 0 0 Free agent
4FW Anicet Ishimwe (2003-04-06) 6 April 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Tunisia Olympique Béja

Players Called Up Recently

These players were also called to play 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 Rwanda Rayon Sports v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Aimable Nsabimana (1997-06-06) 6 June 1997 (age 28) 8 0 Rwanda Kiyovu Sports v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Christian Ishimwe (1999-02-01) 1 February 1999 (age 26) 4 0 Rwanda APR v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
DF Emmanuel Imanishimwe (1995-02-02) 2 February 1995 (age 30) 46 0 Cyprus AEL Limassol v.  Lesotho; 11 June 2024
FW Arthur Gitego (2002-01-01) 1 January 2002 (age 23) 6 0 Rwanda Marines v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
FW Olivier Dushimimana (2000-04-10) 10 April 2000 (age 25) 0 0 Rwanda APR v.  Nigeria, 10 September 2024
FW Patrick Sibomana (1996-10-15) 15 October 1996 (age 28) 19 2 Kenya Gor Mahia v.  Lesotho; 11 June 2024
  • DEC Player decided not to join the team after being called.
  • INJ Player could not play due to an injury.
  • PRE This was a first list of players before the final team was chosen.
  • RET Player has stopped playing for the national team.
  • SUS Player was not allowed to play due to a rule violation.

Player Records: Who Played and Scored the Most?

Players whose names are in bold are still playing for Rwanda.

Most Games Played

Rank Name Games Goals Years Played
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 Goal Scorers

Rank Name Goals Games Goals per Game Years Played
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

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Rwanda has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. Here's how they did in the qualification rounds.

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Argentina 1978 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
Spain 1982 Did not enter Declined participation
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990 Withdrew Withdrew
United States 1994 Did not enter Declined participation
France 1998 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 5
South Korea Japan 2002 2 0 1 1 2 4
Germany 2006 12 2 3 7 10 17
South Africa 2010 10 3 2 5 8 11
Brazil 2014 8 1 3 4 7 13
Russia 2018 2 0 0 2 1 4
Qatar 2022 8 2 1 5 12 9
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 6 2 2 2 4 4
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total 0/11 50 10 12 28 45 67

CECAFA Cup Wins

The CECAFA Cup is a regional tournament. Rwanda has won it once and been a runner-up many times.

  • CECAFA Cup
    • Winners (1): 1999
    • Runners-up (6): 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015
    • Third place (4): 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006

More About Rwandan Football

  • Rwanda national under-17 football team

See also

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