The match came after Rwanda had performed well in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they defeated Liberia and Cape Verde. For the friendly against Kenya, coach Stephen Constantine gave playing time to several players who had not featured much in the previous qualifying matches.
Biramahire Abeddy was the only player in the starting lineup who had also started in the recent qualifying games. Constantine used a 3-5-2 formation, with Hakizimana Adolphe in goal and Niyigena Clement, Darly Nganji and Imanishimwe Emmanuel forming the defensive line.
Uwumukiza Obedi, Iradukunda Elie Tatou, Muhire Kevin, Samuel Gueulette and Kwizera Jojea played in midfield, while Biramahire Abeddy and Nshuti Innocent were the two forwards.
Rwanda struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Kenya controlled much of the play, although they also failed to produce many dangerous opportunities. Their best chance came in the 42nd minute when goalkeeper Hakizimana Adolphe made a save from a powerful effort by Marvin Omondio.
The teams went into the halftime break with the score still 0-0.
Coach Constantine made several changes at the beginning of the second half. Uwumukiza Obedi, Muhire Kevin, Samuel Gueulette and Biramahire Abeddy were replaced by Byiringiro Gilbert, Bizimana Djihad, Hakim Hamis and Joy-Lance Mickels.
The changes helped Rwanda become more attacking, but the team struggled to finish the chances it created. One notable opportunity came when Kwizera Jojea set up Nshuti Innocent, but his effort went wide of the goal.
More substitutions followed as Leroy-Jacques Mickels, Mbonyumwami Taiba, Niyomugabo Claude and Niyongira Patience came onto the pitch, replacing Kwizera Jojea, Nshuti Innocent, Iradukunda Elie Tatou and Hakizimana Adolphe.
Despite the changes and Rwanda’s improved attacking effort in the second half, neither side could find the winning goal.
The friendly match therefore ended Rwanda 0-0 Kenya, with both teams sharing the points.
