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CAF found that the Amavubi Stars fielded Kevin Muhire during matchday four of the qualifiers against Benin at the Nyamirambo Stadium on March 29.
In a stunning turn of events, the Rwanda national team has been hit with a significant setback in their quest for qualification to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ruled that Rwanda must forfeit their qualifier against Benin due to fielding an ineligible player.
CAF found that the Amavubi Stars fielded Kevin Muhire during matchday four of the qualifiers against Benin at the Nyamirambo Stadium on March 29.
Rwanda's mistake became apparent when it was revealed that Muhire had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches against Senegal and Benin in the first leg.
According to Article 42.1 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, a player who receives two cautions during the qualifying phase and the final tournament is automatically suspended from playing the following match.
The CAF Disciplinary Board reviewed the case following an appeal by Benin, and their ruling validated the claim that Muhire's participation was illegitimate.
Consequently, Benin was awarded the three points for the match, pushing them up the Group L standings and leaving Rwanda at the bottom of the group.
The implications of this decision have put Rwanda's qualification prospects in jeopardy.
With only two matches remaining against Mozambique and Senegal, the Amavubi now face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the 2023 AFCON finals.
This is not the first time Rwanda has faced disciplinary consequences for fielding an ineligible player.
In a previous incident, they were disqualified from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers due to the use of a player with dual identity.
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