Sandviken midfielder Yannick Mukunzi has been included in Amavubi’s 28-man provisional squad that head coach Carlos Alos Ferrer summoned for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique due on June 18, at Huye Stadium.
Mukunzi has been impressive for Sandviken over the past games since he recovered from a lengthy injury lay-off and his performance earned him a call up back in the national team with coach Ferrer confident the former APR FC and Rayon Sports player can help him to reinforce the team in the midfield.
Mukunzi has not played an international game for Rwanda since September 2021 due to a series of injuries that saw him sidelined at club level.
He will be playing his first game for the national team since Ferrer took over the team in March 2022.
The Spanish-born tactician also handed debut senior national team call ups to Al Wahda striker Patrick Mutsinzi, defender Noe Uwimana who plays for Philadelphia Union in the United States and Rukinzo FC midfielder Danny Ndikumana who snubbed Burundi to switch his allegiances to Rwanda.
Striker Innocent Nshuti is another notable fresh face in the national team after an impressive season at club level with APR.
Announcing the squad at FEWRAFA headquarters on Thursday afternoon, Ferrer told members of the press that he selected a strong team believed which he is hopes will help him beat Mozambique tie in Huye on June 18 to keep their chances of qualifying to the AFCON finals in Cote d’Ivoire.
"We have the quality, physical preparations and now we need to get the players mentally ready for this very difficult match and we believe we will successfully match,” he said.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Fiance Ntwali (AS Kigali), Pierre Ishimwe (APR) and Adolphe Hakizimana (Rayon Sports)
Defenders: Fitina Ombalenga (APR), Ally Serumogo (SC Kiyovu), Noel Uwimana (Philadelphia Union), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (FAR Rabat), Christian Ishimwe (AS Kigali), Jimmy Ange Mutsinzi (JERV), Abdul Rwatubyaye (Rayon Sports), Thierry Manzi (AS Kigali), Faustin Usengimana (Al Qasim SC) and Aimable Nsabimana (SC Kiyovu).
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana (Denze), Steve Rubanguka (Zimbru Chrisnau), Hakim Sabaho (Lille), Muhadjiri Hakizimana (Police), Yannick Mukunzi (Sandviken), Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR), Samuel Gueullette (Raal La Louvierre) and Rafael York (Geffle IF).
Forwards: Dominique Savio Nshuti (Police), Didier Mugisha (Police), Patrick Mutsinzi (Al Wahda), Abeddy Biramahire (US Songo), Innocent Nshuti (APR), Gilbert Mugisha (APR) and Danny Ndikumana (Rukinzo).