Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, secured a historic 2-0 victory over Estonia to lift the FIFA Series 2026 Group A title at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, in front of Paul Kagame.
The match marked a significant milestone for Rwandan football, as Amavubi claimed their first-ever FIFA Series trophy while also facing a European nation for the first time in history.
Amavubi began the match with patience, gradually building confidence despite early pressure from Estonia. Their breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Biramahire Abeddy found the back of the net after a well-crafted move initiated by Leroy Jacques Mickels.
Rwanda went into halftime with a deserved 1-0 lead, having controlled key moments of the game and neutralized Estonia’s attacking threats.
In the second half, Estonia attempted to respond with more intensity, dominating possession at times. However, Amavubi’s defensive organization remained solid, with key interventions from Mutsinzi Ange and Phanuel Kavita.
The decisive moment arrived in the 50th minute when Leroy Jacques Mickels doubled the lead, finishing a precise assist from Bizimana Djihad. The goal effectively sealed the match, giving Rwanda control of the final stages.
Despite late pressure from Estonia, including dangerous set pieces, goalkeeper Kwizera Olivier delivered crucial saves to preserve the clean sheet.
Amavubi reached the final after a dominant 4-0 victory over Grenada, while Estonia had advanced by defeating Kenya on penalties. In the third-place match, Kenya secured a 3-0 win over Grenada.
This triumph not only highlights Rwanda’s progress on the international stage but also signals a promising future for Amavubi as they continue to compete against teams beyond the African continent.
