Rwanda women’s head coach André Casa Mbungo has trimmed his squad ahead of the preliminary-round clash against Ethiopia in the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers.

The team’s training camp officially opened on Sunday evening, with players reporting for duty ahead of the first-leg qualifier scheduled for October 7 at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

However, five players have been released from the squad following fitness assessments conducted on Sunday, September 27.

Mbungo had initially named a provisional squad of 29 players on Tuesday, September 22, for Rwanda’s Olympic qualifying campaign. The fitness tests were used to assess the players’ readiness following a lengthy break in the Rwanda Women’s League.

Those released from the squad are Indahangarwa WFC forward Magnifique Umutesiwase, defender Province Mukahirwa of Indahangarwa WFC, Bugesera WFC goalkeeper Diane Nyirabatoni, Forever Girls EFC forward Darlene Ishimwe, and Rayon Sports WFC defender Sifa Uwanyirigira.

The team will train twice a day, with morning sessions at the FERWAFA training ground and evening sessions at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Rwanda will host Ethiopia in the first leg of the preliminary round before travelling for the return leg.

The winner of the two-legged tie will advance to the next stage of the qualification process for the 2028 Olympic Games, which will be held in Los Angeles, United States, from July 14 to July 30.