Rwanda makes a triumphant return to CECAFA tournament after seven-year hiatus

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has confirmed the return of the Rwandan national football team, Amavubi, to the upcoming 2024 CECAFA Tournament in Zanzibar. This marks a significant comeback for Rwanda after a seven-year absence from the prestigious regional competition.

The last time Rwanda participated in the CECAFA Senior Challenge Cup was in 2017 in Kenya, where they faced an early exit in the group stage.

Despite their storied history in the tournament, which includes winning the trophy in 1999 by defeating Kenya 3-1 at the Amahoro National Stadium, the team has been absent from the competition since 2017.

Adolphe Kalisa, the Secretary-General of FERWAFA, emphasized the strategic importance of Rwanda’s return to the CECAFA tournament.

He highlighted that the increased match exposure in regional competitions aligns with Rwanda’s broader plan to enhance the team’s performance during upcoming qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

“CECAFA is a valuable tournament for our team, and our participation is a crucial component of our strategy to engage in more matches, irrespective of the opposition.

This contributes significantly to the development and readiness of our players for the challenges ahead,” stated Kalisa.

The Secretary-General further confirmed Rwanda’s participation in the tournament during discussions with the local press, expressing enthusiasm about the team’s return to competitive regional football.

The 2024 CECAFA Tournament holds additional significance as it makes a comeback after a five-year hiatus, primarily attributed to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The last edition took place in 2019, with Uganda hosting and emerging as the champions after defeating Eritrea in the final.

Football enthusiasts anticipate an exciting competition as Rwanda adds a renewed vigor to the tournament’s rich history.