Rwanda FA has appointed André Cassa Mbungo as head coach of the U20 national team ahead of the upcoming CECAFA U20 qualifiers for the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations. Mbungo was appointed on Monday, September 7, alongside the rest of the technical staff that will lead the team during the regional tournament, scheduled for September 15-25 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. He will be assisted by Tumaine Ntamuhanga, while Peter Otema has been appointed fitness coach. Former Rwanda international goalkeeper Aimé Désiré Ndizeye, popularly known as “Ndanda”, will serve as goalkeepers’ coach. Rwanda have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Tanzania and Ethiopia. The team’s preparations were delayed by funding challenges that initially cast doubt over Rwanda’s participation in the tournament. However, FERWAFA and the Ministry of Sports eventually secured the necessary resources, allowing the team to take part in the qualifiers. The CECAFA U20 tournament will determine the region’s representatives at the 2027 Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Ghana. Group B comprises Uganda, Sudan and Djibouti, while South Sudan, Burundi and Kenya are in Group C. The three group winners and the best-performing runner-up will advance to the semi-finals. The two finalists will secure CECAFA’s qualification slots for the continental tournament. Matches will be played at the renovated Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, one of the venues upgraded ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Tanzania will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. A 24-man squad has already been summoned to camp ahead of the qualifiers. Goalkeepers: Bonheur Kabera (Marine FC), Alfa Nsengumuremyi (Mahembe FTC), Claude Mugisha (Gasogi United). Defenders: Aloys Ukwiyegukundwa (Motard FC), David Igiraneza (Police FC), Emmanuel Gisubizo (FC Bayern Academy), Kennedy Tuyishimwe (Mukura FC), Fredy Ishimwe (Tony FC), Fiston Cyusa (Police FC), Djibril Sheja (Tony Academy), Pacifique Niyompano (Gasogi United). Midfielders: Léon M. Nkundukuri (Gasogi United), Irene Mugisha (AS Kigali), Thierry Byiringiro (Gasogi United), Taufick Manzi (Police FC), Assouman Ndungutse (APR FC), K. Celestin Nshimiyimana (Gorilla FC), Claude Dushime (Tony Academy). Forwards: Aimée Thierry Ishimwe (Gorilla FC), René Uwineza (Intare FC), Poul Mutembe (Police FC), Daniel Mugunga (Tony Academy), Olivier Nshimiyimana (FC Bayern Academy), Obed Nshimiyimana (Kiyovu SC), Eric Hagenimana (Marine FC).
