Amavubi head coach Stephen Constantine has trimmed his squad ahead of Rwanda’s crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Mali, with Elie Ganijuru and Kevin Muhire among five players dropped from the final travelling squad.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, November 9, Constantine said some players in camp had not done enough to secure places in the team for the upcoming fixtures.
Among those left out is Rayon Sports left-back Ganijuru, who was initially called up for assessment.
"We called up Elie from Rayon Sports and took a close look at him. He's not bad, but considering what we need right now, we decided we don't need him at this moment. We may need him in the future," Constantine said.
Ganijuru and Muhire joins Fidali Uwiyaremye, who was sent home on the opening day of camp for disciplinary reasons, Taiba Mbonyumwami of Ethiopia's Bunna SC, Rayon Sports goalkeeper Yves Mugisha.
Despite missing out on the final squad, Daniel Muhoza could still have a future with the senior national team. Constantine described the Rayon Sports midfielder as a talented player with the potential to become a regular Amavubi member.
Meanwhile, foreign-based players Bonheur Mugisha, Gilbert Mugisha and Leroy-Jacques Mickels joined the squad on Monday as preparations intensified ahead of the trip to Bamako.
The Amavubi delegation is scheduled to depart for Mali on Tuesday night ahead of Friday’s Group K encounter against the Eagles on November 13.
Both Rwanda and Mali have made perfect starts to their qualifying campaigns, collecting six points from their opening two matches. The two sides are level at the top of the group, with their upcoming double-header expected to play a significant role in the qualification race.
Final squad travelling to Mali
1. Ange Mutsinzi
2. Patient Niyongira
3. Adolphe Hakizimana
4. Jojea Kwizera
5. Jean Bosco Ruboneka
6. Fiacre Ntwari
7. Jean Gilbert Byiringiro
8. Gilbert Mugisha
9. Clement Niyigena
10. Phanuel Mabaya Kavita
11. Nganji Darryl Nkulikiyimana
12. Thierry Manzi
13. Emmanuel Imanishimwe
14. Jacques Leroy Mickels
15. Bonheur Mugisha
16. Djihad Bizimana
17. Hakim Hamis
18. Elie Tatou Iradukunda
19. Innocent Nshuti
20. Abeddy Biramahire
21. Claude Niyomugabo
22. Joy Lance Mickels
23. Obed Uwumukiza
24. Joy Slayd Mickels