Rwanda Punish Vozinha Error to Beat Cape Verde 2-1
Rwanda came from behind to beat Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia, with Elie Iradukunda scoring the decisive goal after goalkeeper Vozinha failed to deal with a second-half cross.
The Cape Verde captain and veteran goalkeeper flapped at the ball in the 52nd minute, allowing Iradukunda to finish into an unguarded net. The mistake completed Rwanda’s turnaround and left the hosts facing a severe early setback in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
Quick facts
- Rwanda won 2-1 away to Cape Verde in Praia.
- Gilson Benchimol put Cape Verde ahead inside five minutes.
- Claude Niyomugabo equalised just before half-time.
- Elie Iradukunda struck the winner in the 52nd minute.
- Cape Verde are last in Group K after two defeats, while Rwanda lead the section.
Benchimol had given the islanders an ideal opening, striking early to raise hopes of a first qualifying victory. Rwanda stayed in the contest, though, and Niyomugabo levelled the score on the edge of the interval.
Iradukunda then punished Vozinha’s error shortly after the restart. It was another damaging moment for the 40-year-old Colo-Colo goalkeeper, who was also criticised after Mali’s third goal in Cape Verde’s 3-1 loss on the opening matchday.
Those successive mistakes have put renewed pressure on Vozinha’s place as the national team’s established No. 1. The scrutiny is a sharp reversal for a player who became one of Cape Verde’s World Cup stories in 2026, making seven saves in a group-stage goalless draw against Spain.
Vozinha later helped Cape Verde reach the round of 32 under former coach Bubista, before Argentina ended their tournament. His profile rose sharply after that run, with the goalkeeper saying recently that fame had removed much of his private life; he now has 28.3 million Instagram followers.
New manager Humberto Bettencourt must now decide whether to keep faith with a national icon amid a worsening qualifying position. Cape Verde have no points from their opening two Group K matches and have little room left for further slips.
Rwanda, meanwhile, have followed their win against Liberia with a hard-earned result in Praia to take sole control of the group. Cape Verde’s route back into contention now depends on a perfect finish in their remaining fixtures.
