Rwanda earns 2-1 win over Benin Republic as Nigeria’s AFCON qualification lead narrows

The Amavubi of Rwanda secured a 2-1 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Kigali on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, during a matchday four encounter in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. This crucial win has tightened Group D, leaving Nigeria only two points clear of third place.

After a 3-0 defeat to Benin Republic just four days earlier in Cotonou, Rwanda came into the return fixture determined to respond. Despite Benin taking the lead through Andreas Hountondji in the 42nd minute following an assist from Hassane Imourane, Rwanda rallied in the second half.

The Amavubi found an equalizer through Innocent Nshuti before Djihad Bizimana coolly converted a 75th-minute penalty to secure their first win of the qualification series.

Rwanda’s victory lifted them to third place in Group D with five points, just one point behind second-placed Benin Republic (6 points). The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain top of the group with seven points, but the gap has tightened with two matchdays remaining.

After returning from a difficult trip to Libya, the Super Eagles now shift focus to a crucial away fixture against Benin Republic in November. With the margins in Group D extremely close, every point will be critical as Nigeria looks to secure qualification for the 2025 AFCON tournament.