2017 AFCON: Rwanda name 28-man squad to face Ghana in qualifier, six foreign-based players called
Rwanda have named six foreign-based players in their 28-man squad for next month's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in Kigali.
The squad is dominated by players who play in the local league with as many as 22 players from the country's top-flight clubs named to face the Black Stars.
The foreign-based players in the team ply their trade in Tanzania and Kenya while the Europe-based players in the squad play for lowly placed clubs.
Coach Johnathan Brian McKinstry handed Swiss-based striker Quentin Rushenguziminega of Lausane Sports his maiden international cap.
The foreign-based players namely skipper and midfielder Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans-Tanzania), midfielder Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Azam Fc-Tanzania), left-back Abouba Sibomana (Gor Mahia-Kenya), central defenders Salomon Nirisarike (Saint Truiden-Belgium), Emery Bayisenge (Lask Linz, Austria) and striker Quentin Rushenguziminega, Switzerland).
Players from local giants APR dominate the team with ten players from the club including two goalkeepers.
As part of preparations, Rwanda will face Ethiopia’s Walia Ibex in a FIFA international friendly match which will be played in Kigali on Friday 28 August, a week before Rwanda’s AFCON 2017 qualifying match with Ghana.
After the Ethiopia friendly, Rwanda will host the Black Stars of Ghana in Kigali while Ethiopia play away to Seychelles in the second round matches of the AFCON 2017 qualifiers.
The Black Stars too will play Congo in an international friendly before taking on Rwanda in their second group H game in Kigali.
The West African giants overpowered Mauritius 7-1 in their opening qualifier in Accra two months ago and at the same time ; Rwanda registered a 1-0 away win against Mozambique in Maputo.
Against Ghana, Rwanda will be seeking to register a good result against Ghana to be able to remain on course of qualifying for 2017 Africa Nations Cup finals to be held in Gabon.
Full squad :
Goalkeepers : Kwizera Olivier (APR FC), Ndoli Jean Claude (APR FC), Eric Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports)
Defenders : Michel Rusheshangoga (APR FC), Fitina Omborenga (Kiyovu Sports), Jean Marie Rukundo (Rayon Sports), Janvier Mutijima (AS Kigali), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura VS), Amani Uwiringiyimana (Unattached), Faustin Usengimana (APR FC), Ismael Nshutiyamaga (APR FC), Salomon Nirisarike (Saint Truiden, Belgium), Emery Bayisenge (Lask Linz, Austria) and Abouba Sibomana (Gor Mahia, Kenya)
Midfielders : Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (AZAM FC, Tanzania), Djihad Bizimana (APR FC), Yannick Mukunzi (APR FC), Amran Nshimiyimana (Police FC), Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga Africans-Tanzania), Andrew Butera (APR FC), Jacques Tuyisenge (Police FC), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR FC) and Patrick Sibomana (APR FC)
Forwards : Isaie Songa (Police FC), Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali), Dany Usengimana (Police FC), Michel Ndahinduka (APR FC) and Quentin Rushenguziminega (Lausanne Sport, Switzerland).