Rwanda calls up six new players for World Cup qualifiers

Rwanda national team coach Adel Amrouche has beefed up squad with six new players in readiness for September’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Zimbabwe as they seek to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for next year’s finals in North America.

The players, who earned first call ups include; Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles), Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club), Alex Nduwayo (APR), David Niyo (SC Kiyovu) and Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports).

However, a number of players were dropped including Police FC forward Lague Byiringiro; defender Clement Niyigena and the Belgian-based duo of Samuel Gueulette and Hakim Sahabo.

Rwanda will first face Nigeria on September 6 at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and then Zimbabwe on September 9 at the Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Amavubi are currently sitting joint second in Group C with eight points, level with Benin, but trailing leaders South Africa, who sit at the head of the standings with 13 points. Nigeria have seven points and Zimbabwe six.

Rwanda Squad:

Goalkeepers: Clement Buhake (Ullensaker/Kisa, Norway), Pierre Ishimwe (APR), Fiacre Ntwali (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa).

Defenders: Thierry Manzi (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Phanuel Kavita (Birmingham Legion, USA), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira, Azerbaijan), Alex Nduwayo (APR), Darrly Nganji Nkurikiyimana (Standard Liege, Belgium), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports), Fitina Ombalenga (APR).

Midfielders: Djihadi Bizimana (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Claude Kayitaba (Bedford Town, England), Bonheur Mugisha (Al Masry, Egypt), Kevin Muhire (Jamus, South Sudan), Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club), Bryan Clovis Ngwabije (Dieppe, France).

Forwards: Abeddy Biramahire (Entente Setif, Algeria), Arthur Gitego (FUS Rabat, Morocco), Aly Enzo Hamon (Angouleme, France), Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Beja, Tunisia), Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island, USA), Gilbert Mugisha (APR), David Niyo (SC Kiyovu), Innocent Nshuti (ES Zarzis, Tunisia).