Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine has named a provisional squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde, recalling several foreign-based players as Amavubi prepare for a crucial start to their campaign. Rwanda will host Liberia in Kigali on September 25 before travelling to face Cape Verde four days later in their opening Group K fixtures. The squad combines experienced internationals with emerging talent, with Constantine retaining much of the core that featured in Rwanda’s recent international assignments. Among the notable inclusions are Europe-based players Darryl Nganji Nkulikiyimana, Leroy Mickels and Noam Emeran, who return to strengthen the squad ahead of matches that could set the tone for Rwanda’s qualification campaign. In goal, the British coach has selected Police FC’s Patient Niyongira, Adolphe Hakizimana of APR FC and Rayon Sports’ Yves Mugisha. Fiacre Ntwari also returns after joining South African side Kruger United on loan from Kaizer Chiefs. The defensive unit includes Azerbaijan-based centre-back Ange Mutsinzi, alongside Clement Niyigena, Phanuel Kavita and Darryl Nganji Nkulikiyimana. On the wings, Constantine has selected Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Leroy Mickels, Noam Emeran, Jojea Kwizera, Jean Gilbert Byiringiro, Obed Uwumukiza, Gilbert Mugisha and Claude Niyomugabo. The midfield features captain Djihad Bizimana, Bonheur Mugisha, Samuel Gueulette, Kevin Muhire, Hakim Hamis and Keddy Nsanzimfura. Up front, Amavubi will rely on Innocent Nshuti, Abeddy Biramahire, Joy Lance Mickels, Taiba Mbonyumwami, Fidal Uwiyaremye and Slayd Mickles for goals. Drawn in Group K alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia, Rwanda face a challenging route to the continental tournament. A positive result against Liberia in Kigali will be crucial to building early momentum before the team faces Cape Verde away four days later. Provisional squad Goalkeepers: Patient Niyongira (Police FC), Adolphe Hakizimana (APR FC), Fiacre Ntwari (Kruger United), Yves Mugisha (Rayon Sports). Center Defenders: Ange Mutsinzi (Zira FK), Clement Niyigena (Smouha SC), Phanuel Kavita (Birmingham Legion), Darryl Nganji Nkulikiyimana (Standard Liege). Wing-backs: Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Chennaiyin FC), Leroy Mickels (Waldhof Mannheim), Noam Emeran (FC Stade Lausanne Ouchy), Claude Niyomugabo (unattached), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island FC), Jean Gilbert Byiringiro (APR FC), Obed Uwumukiza (Rayon Sports), Gilbert Mugisha (Jwaneng Galaxy). Midfielders: Bonheur Mugisha (Al Hazem), Djihad Bizimana (CS Constantine), Samuel Gueulette (UTA Arad), Hakim Hamis (Kiyovu SC), Keddy Nsanzimfura (Kiyovu SC), Kevin Muhire (Jamus FC). Forwards: Innocent Nshuti (Al Wafaq Ajdabia), Taiba Mbonyumwami (Ethiopian Coffee SC), Abeddy Biramahire (Al Batin FC), Joy Lance Mickels (Sabah FK), Fidal Uwiyaremye (APR FC), Slayd Mickles (Hibernians). Nshimiyimana takes charge of Amavubi U-23 Amavubi senior team assistant coach Eric Nshimiyimana has been appointed to lead Rwanda’s U-23 national team during the 2027 CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Nshimiyimana has named a 28-man provisional squad for Rwanda’s upcoming two-legged first-round qualifier against Sudan. Rwanda were drawn against Sudan in the opening round, with the first leg scheduled for September 20 and the return leg set for October 6. The winner of the tie will advance to the second round, where Cameroon await. The 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Egypt. Provisional squad Goalkeepers: Moria Iradukunda (Police FC), Hugo Bigirimana (La Chaux-de-Fonds), Jean Claude Nshimyimukiza (Intare FC). Central defenders: Fisher Judah (Sacramento FC), Fabrice Iyabivuze (Gasogi United), Angelo Ndayishimiye (Intare FC), Abdul Nyigena (Police FC). Wing-backs: Thierry Musabyimana (ESM Gonfreville l'Orcher), Asmani Ntwari (Kiyovu SC), Arsene Kanamugire (Gasogi United), Elie Iradukunda (Rayon Sports), Jesus Sindi (Marine FC), Abidal Niyonzima (APR FC), Enzo Bagabo (Beerschot), Tumusifu Mumvaneza (APR FC), David Gihozo (APR FC), Daniel Muhoza (Rayon Sports), Elior Kamanzi (Celta Vigo). Midfielders: Claude Kayibanda (Bedford Town), Didier Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports), Kenedy Hoziana (Kigali FC), Bobo Sultan (Marine FC), David Niyo (NK Veres Rivine), Valua Byishimo (Police FC). Forwards: Niyonshuti (Imanzi FC), Honore Byiringiro (Muhanga FC), Onesmos Byiringiro (Kigali FC), Erirohe Yangiriyeneza (Tony Academy).
