FC Zimbru Chisinau midfielder Steve Rubanguka won’t be able to join the rest of Amavubi team in Cotonou ahead of Wednesday’s 2023 AFCON qualifier against the Cheetahs of Benin .

Rwanda head coach Carlos Alos Ferrer summoned Rubanguka in his squad for the March qualifiers against Benin and was hoping to use him in the midfield but passport issues saw him ruled out of the game at the last minute.

ALSO READ: Players Abroad: Rubanguka shines in Moldova as Kagere gets debut

Times Sport can confirm that Rubanguka’s passport has expired and has traveled to Kigali on Monday to renew it. He will, however, feature in the pair’s second leg game that will take place at Huye Stadium on Monday, March 27.

Rubaguka, 26, has been among Rwanda's consistent players in Europe this season making 16 appearances in all competitions and providing one assist at club level in Moldova and Ferrer will miss his services as he pushed to qualify Rwanda to the AFCON finals for the first time since Tunisia in 2004.

ALSO READ: Botswana referee Bondo to handle Benin vs Rwanda AFCON qualifier

Amavubi touched down in Cotonou on Monday, March 20, a day after their 1-0 friendly defeat against Ethiopia. They will train Tuesday at Stade de l'Amitie, the venue that will host the game.

Rwanda sits third in the Group with one point, three points behind second-placed Mozambique and five behind group leaders Senegal. Benin are bottom of the table without a single point, having lost their past two matches.