Rwanda men’s senior national team coach Mashami Vincent has confirmed the 26-man squad that remains in residential training ahead of the 2019 Afcon qualifier against Cote d’Ivoire.
The Amavubi face off against former champions Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group H qualifier at Stade de Kigali on Sunday.
Among those dropped are midfielder Ngendahima Eric from Police FC, Nizeyimana Djuma from Kiyovu Sports, Uwimbabazi Jean Paul from Kirehe FC, Mbaraga Jimmy from AS Kigali and Iragire Saidi from Mukura Victory Sports.
The remaining 26 players include professional players namely talisman Meddie Kagere who was recalled in Amavubi for the first time in four years.#
The Uganda-born Rwanda international, Kagere joined Amavubi camp on Tuesday, following his team mate and skipper Haruna Niyonzima and later was joined by goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera whp plies his trade with South African side Free State Stars and striker Dany Usengimana who is in the process of completing his move to Egyptian side Tersana FC from Tanzania’s Singida United.
Others in camp include; Belgium-based duo of Salomon Nirisarike (AFC Tubize, Belgium) and Bizimana Djihad (Beveren, Belgium), former Rayon Sports defender Faustin Usengimana who joined Kuwaiti side Khitan Sport Club last month and Belarus-based Patrick Sibomana (FC Shakhtyor).
The major absentee is Gor Mahia striker Jacques Tuyisenge who has a nagging ankle injury and has been left out to enable him undergo a full recovery.
Meanwhile, Cote d’Ivoire delegation is expected in Kigali on Thursday night aboard a Private Jet from Paris. They will join their central defender Eric Baily who plies his trade with English side Manchester United.
Baily arrived in the country on Tuesday and held a personal training on Wednesday at Amahoro Stadium in company of the team’s assistant coach Jean Claude Patrick.
Rwanda who will be seeking a win on Sunday started the group campaign on a low note, losing 2-1 to the Republic of Central Africa in Bangui in the two sides’ first-leg in June last year.
Amavubi have been drawn in Group H alongside Ivory Coast, the Republic of Central Africa, and Guinea Conakry.
Rwanda Senior Team (26-man Squad):
Goalkeepers: Kwizera Olivier (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kimenyi Yves (APR FC), Rwabugiri Omar (Mukura VS) and Ntwari Fiacre (Intare FC & U20)
Defenders: Salomon Nirisarike (AFC Tubize,Belgium), Usengimana Faustin (Khitan Sport Club, Kuwait), Rwatubyaye Abdul (Rayon Sports), Rugwiro Herve (APR FC), Manzi Thierry (Rayon Sports), Michel Rusheshangoga (Uncontracted), Emmanuel Manishimwe (APR FC), Fitina Omborenga (APR FC) and Rutanga Eric (Rayon Sports)
Midfielders: Mukunzi Yannick (Rayon Sports), Mugiraneza Jean Baptiste (APR FC), Niyonzima Ally (AS Kigali), Bizimana Djihad (Beveren, Belgium), Haruna Niyonzima (Simba SC,Tanzania), Buteera Andrew (APR FC), Cyiza Hussein (Mukura VS), Iranzi Jean Claude (APR FC), Muhire Kevin (Rayon Sports) and Sibomana Patrick (FC Shakhtyor, Belarus).
Forwards: Kagere Meddie (Simba SC, Tanzania), Jack Tuyisenge (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Usengimana Dany (Tersana FC, Egypt) and Hakizimana Muhadjili (APR FC).