AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Leroy Mickels brace fires Rwanda past Liberia

Rwanda made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Liberia at Stade Amahoro.

Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring early for Rwanda before Leroy Mickels added a brace to put the hosts in control of Group K. Sylvanus Nimely pulled one back for Liberia, but Mickels restored Rwanda’s two-goal advantage from the penalty spot before half-time.

Biramahire gives Rwanda early lead

Rwanda needed only two minutes to break the deadlock, with Abeddy Biramahire finding the net after being assisted by Leroy Mickels.

Mickels then turned scorer in the 33rd minute, doubling Rwanda’s advantage and putting the hosts firmly in control.

Liberia responded five minutes later when Sylvanus Nimely pulled a goal back to make it 2-1.

Mickels completes his brace

Rwanda restored their two-goal advantage just before half-time when Mickels converted from the penalty spot in the 44th minute.

The goal completed Mickels’ brace and gave Rwanda a 3-1 lead going into the interval.

Liberia’s hopes of a comeback were further damaged in the 61st minute when Kpah Sherman was sent off for a serious foul.

Rwanda held on to secure all three points and make a strong start to their Group K campaign.

Rwanda face Cape Verde next

Rwanda will now turn their attention to their next Group K fixture against Cape Verde.

Liberia, meanwhile, will look to bounce back when they face Mali in their next qualifying match.