Thousands of Rwandan-based Liberians walked out of Amahoro Stadium in disappointment as Rwanda produced an efficient attacking display to claim all three points against Liberia in a crucial AFCON 2027 Qualifier match.
The Lone Star of Liberia suffered a 3-1 defeat to Rwanda on Friday, September 25, in the opening Group K fixture of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in Kigali.
Rwanda made a rapid start to the encounter, taking the lead in the second minute through Abeddy Biramahire after a well-delivered pass from Leroy-Jacques Mickels. The early goal gave the hosts confidence as they continued to apply pressure on the Liberian defense.
The Amavubi doubled their advantage in the 33rd minute when Leroy-Jacques Mickels found the back of the net following a coordinated attacking move. Liberia responded five minutes later, with striker Sylvanus Nimely reducing the deficit to 2-1 and briefly giving the visitors hope of a comeback.
However, Rwanda restored its two-goal advantage before halftime after Joy-Lance Mickels converted a penalty in the 44th minute, sending the home supporters into celebration.
The second half proved more difficult for Liberia after Lone Star striker Kpah Sean Sherman was shown a straight red card in the 60th minute for a dangerous challenge, leaving Liberia with 10 players for the remainder of the contest.
Rwanda subsequently managed the game effectively and maintained its 3-1 advantage until the final whistle to secure three valuable points in front of a large home crowd at Amahoro Stadium.
The defeat leaves Liberia without a point after the opening round of matches in Group K, which also includes Mali and Cape Verde.
In the other Group K encounter, Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1, meaning both Mali and Rwanda opened their qualifying campaigns with three points, while Liberia and Cape Verde remain without points after the first matchday.
Liberia is now scheduled to host Mali in its second Group K fixture on September 29 at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville. Mali will arrive with confidence after also recording a 3-1 victory in its opening match.
Despite the disappointing result, the Lone Star acknowledged the support of Liberians who traveled to the stadium and those who backed the team from across Rwanda.
In a message following the match, the Liberia Men’s National Team thanked the Liberian community in Rwanda for what it described as their “incredible support and nonstop energy.”
“To every single member of the Liberian Community in Rwanda who made it to the stands of the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, thank you for standing by us through every minute on and off the pitch,” the team said. “Your incredible support and non-stop energy didn’t go unnoticed.”
The Lone Star will now turn its attention to the home fixture against Mali, with Liberia seeking to recover from the opening-day defeat and secure its first points of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with the qualification campaign determining the teams that will join the three hosts at the tournament.
