Black Weekend for Rwanda: Amavubi U17, APR FC and Rayon Sports All Fall in Home Fixtures
Kigali — Rwanda’s football community endured a difficult weekend as three of its leading sides — the Amavubi U17, champions APR FC and Rayon Sports — all lost their scheduled continental matches on home soil.
The results leave the Wasps with work to do on the youth and club fronts as they pursue progression in Africa’s major competitions.
Amavubi U17 Lose Penalty Shootout to Somalia
In the CECAFA U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers semi-final on Saturday at Kigali Pelé Stadium, the Junior Wasps were edged out by Somalia 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Patrick Ujeneza gave Rwanda the lead in the 63rd minute with a composed finish after beating defenders, but Mohamud Osman equalised just minutes later. With no further goals, the tie went to spot-kicks, where Somalia held their nerve.
Somalia U-17 Reach CECAFA Final After Penalty Shootout Win Over Rwanda
The defeat means Rwanda miss the final and must now contest the third-place play-off against Ethiopia on Monday. That match will also decide the remaining regional qualification slot for the 2027 U-17 AFCON. Somalia advance to face Uganda in the final, with both sides already assured of continental tournament places. Rwanda last reached the U-17 AFCON in 2011.
FERWAFA described the outcome as heartbreaking while urging the young side to keep their heads up.
APR FC Denied by Late Zamalek Winner
A day earlier, Rwandan champions APR FC suffered a narrow 1-0 reverse to Egyptian giants Zamalek in the first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie at Amahoro Stadium.
The Lions controlled large spells of the contest and created the better chances, yet failed to convert. Zamalek remained clinical when it mattered, with substitute Nasser Mansy striking in the 89th/90th minute to silence the home crowd after an earlier effort had been ruled out for offside.
The result gives the White Knights a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Cairo on 24 October. APR will need to win away from home to keep their group-stage hopes alive. Despite the defeat, their organised display against one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses offered encouragement.
Rayon Sports Beaten 2-0 by Black Bulls
Completing the trio of setbacks, Rayon Sports fell 2-0 to Mozambique’s Black Bulls Maputo on Saturday in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second-round tie, also at Amahoro Stadium.
Senegalese midfielder Abdou Khadre Gueye scored both goals for the visitors, in the 54th minute and again deep into added time (90+5). Rayon enjoyed the majority of possession but could not break down a disciplined Mozambican side.
The second leg takes place in Maputo on 24 October, leaving the Kigali-based club with a two-goal deficit to overturn if they are to progress.
What the Results Mean
Home advantage proved elusive for Rwanda’s representatives this weekend. APR and Rayon both faced testing opponents in CAF’s club competitions, while the U17s came close against a resilient Somali side that has been one of the tournament’s surprises.
The double-header of second legs on 24 October will be decisive for both clubs’ continental campaigns. For the Junior Wasps, Monday’s third-place match against Ethiopia still offers a route to the U-17 AFCON.
Rwandan football has shown growing ambition on the African stage in recent seasons. These results are a reminder of the fine margins at this level, but the season remains long and the return fixtures provide clear opportunities to respond.
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