This was on October 11, 2024, when the national football team of Rwanda, Amavubi, suffered a humiliating defeat in the hands of Benin's Les Guépards in an AFCON 2025 qualifier. The match was staged at Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, with both teams determined to cruise into the competition. First Half: Amavubi off to a Tough Start.

It was a high-stakes game, particularly for Rwanda, who had to win to move up the qualifiers chart. But Benin struck early, courtesy of captain Steve Mounié in the 6th minute, who benefited from the well-taken corner by Dossou Jodel.

The goal saw Rwanda's defense scrambling all over the pitch. As much as Amavubi tried to reorganize themselves, the team simply could not create any concrete attacking opportunities.

Rwandan coach Torsten Frank Spittler started with a strong lineup that included Ntwari Fiacre in goal and Manzi Thierry at the heart of defense. The pressure was telling, though, as injuries began to take their toll. Manzi Thierry, the team's vice-captain, went off injured in the 37th minute, and the first half ended with Benin leading 1-0.

The Rwandan representatives did have an increasingly tough time in the second half, as injuries kept happening, and Kwizera Jojea also came off with a knock, forcing further changes to the lineup. The Amavubi defense, marshaled by Mutsinzi Ange, attempted to repel the wave of attack from Benin, but gradually the cracks started to appear.

The first off the bench, Andreas William Edwin Hountondji, added Benin's second in the 67th minute, further deflating Rwanda's hopes of a comeback.

Just three minutes later, Imourane Hassane sealed the deal for Benin, netting the third goal to make it 3-0, a scoreline Rwandan attacks could not manage to break down, despite trying as hard as possible.

The defeat in Benin has dealt a fatal blow to the Rwanda qualification campaign for AFCON. Amavubi now have an uphill task in their quest to feature in the 2025 tournament to be staged in Morocco. After this defeat, Rwanda will host Benin in the return leg on 15th October 2024 at Amahoro Stadium.

The team needs to quickly pick itself up and try to get over the injuries that it suffered to its key players if the remaining qualification hopes are to be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, Benin climbed the group and moved their standing to make it to the prestigious continental competition, while the road to AFCON 2025 just got much more difficult for Rwanda, needing a near-perfect performance in upcoming matches.

This defeat is symptomatic of the problems Amavubi faces on the pitch, with injury and form a key contributory factor. The fans now hope for an upturn in fortunes in the next match as the team seek to revive their AFCON dream.