Rwanda caretaker head coach Gerrard Buschier has assembled a 25-man provisional squad that he will use against Teranga Lions of Senegal in the final AFCON qualifier that will take place at Huye Stadium on September 9. The squad comprises 18 local players while seven others ply their trade abroad. Defending League Champions APR has the highest representation with seven players including familiar faces like Gilbert Mugisha, Omborenga Fitina, Bosco Ruboneka, Christian Ishimwe and Innocent Nshuti. ALSO READ: Buschier named amavubi caretaker ahead of Senegal qualifier The military side also has central defender Yunusu Nshimiyimana among the three debutants in the team alongside Rayon Sports left-back Elie Ganijuru and Gorilla FC central midfielder Simeon Iradukunda. Meanwhile, Police FC and Rayon Sports have four players in the team while AS Kigali, Kiyovu and Gorilla have one apiece. Striker Lague Byiringiro, who has been in scoring form in the Swedish Ettan Norra League scoring with five league goals for Sandviken in the last 10 game, will be making a return to the national team which he last played for on January 6, 2022 when Rwanda lost 2-0 in a friendly match. Other foreign players summoned include skipper Djihad Bizimana of Kryvbas in Ukraine , Ange Mutsinzi of FK Jerv in Norway, goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari of TS Galaxy in South Africa and Al Ahli Tripoli duo of Bonheur Mugisha and Thierry Manzi. However, the likes of Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York who have been ever present in the team won’t play against Senegal. Rwanda have no chance of making it to the AFCON in Cote D'Ivoire in January 2024 as they have only two points from four games. The game will, however, serve as a preparatory outing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers which begins in November.
