Rwanda head coach Carlos Alos Ferrer has many names in his mind to choose from as he prepares to announce squad for the impending two-legged AFCON qualifier against Benin on March 22nd in Porto-Novo and March 27th in Huye.
Ferrer could make surprise inclusions in his national team setup while familiar figures like Djihad Bizimana, Blaise Nishimwe, Yves Mugunga, Gerard Gohou and Salomon Nirisarike could be dropped as they are either struggling for game time or without clubs.
Times Sport takes a look at some players who are performing well at club level and could break into the Amavubi squad for the Benin encounter.
Yannick Bizimana (APR)
After a poor start to the season in which he was playing second fiddle to Yves Mugunga, Bizimana has stepped up the accelerator and has been in fantastic form.
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Since he scored the match-winning goal during APR’s 1-0 win over Rayon on December 17, 2022, the striker has never looked back as he went on to find the back of the net six times in seven games in the second round of the league.
Should he be rewarded for rediscovering his form, Bizimana could make his way into the Amavubi attack for the game against Benin.
Onesme Twizerimana (Gorilla)
The former Police FC striker is in the form of his life at Gorilla. He has scored five goals in his last five league games and his total tally for the season stands at nine.
Twizerimana has shown that he has qualities that every coach would wish for from a striker since he joined Gorilla in January. His pace, power, footwork and an eye for goal has made him unstoppable during the second round of the league. He is versatile and can play either as the main striker or a supporting striker.
Samuel Gueulette (Raal La Louviere)
The 22-year-old central midfielder is enjoying a great season as a regular starter at Belgian third tier side Raal La Louviere who sit third on the league table and in line for promotion.
With Djihad Bizimana struggling at KMSK Deinze and not getting adequate playing time, the youngster would be an alternate option as his form would be of great impact to the Rwandan national team’s results.
Gueulette, who has played for Rwanda U20, U23 and the senior team level, could fit into the squad ahead of the Benin game.
ALSO READ: Gueulette opens up on his career, Rwanda’s chances for AFCON 2023 qualification
Clement Niyigena (APR)
Arguably the best defender in the Rwandan Premier League so far this season, Niyigena is in a class of his own at the heart of defense.
He already has good international experience having captained the Rwanda U23 team where he scored twice against Libya as well as playing for APR in the CAF Champions League.
With Salomon Nirisarike being dormant and yet to sign for any club since being released by FC Urartu in June 2022, Niyigena could be his perfect replacement in the Amavubi squad.
Niyigena has four league goals already for APR and has been very solid at the back.
Danny Usengimana (Police)
Usengimana has hit superb form in the colors of the law enforcers where he netted five goals in his previous five games for the club.
He is the reason why Police are gradually climbing to top positions on the league table. Usengimana has what it takes to lead the Amavubi attack if given the chance as he has shown his predatory instincts in the league.
Moses Nyamurangwa (Sunrise FC)
A very hardworking and intelligent defensive midfielder, Nyamurangwa has been in good form for Sunrise FC. He has been instrumental for the club in the league this season and his exploits earned him an Under 23 national team call up where he started in all the games against Libya and Mali.
He is a workaholic midfielder and he can score goals also as he has three to his name at club level so far this season. With Blaise Nishimwe, who started the game against Mozambique, struggling for game time at Rayon, Nyamurangwa can easily slot in and excel against Benin.