AFCON U-23: Ten foreign players who should be in Rwanda team

The road to this year’s U-23 Africa nations cup championship for Rwanda starts on September 19th in Tripoli where they will face Libya with the return leg set for a week later in Huye. Rwanda has many young players born or raised abroad who fall into this age group competition and can add up to the local players such as Lague Byiringiro, Anicet Ishimwe, Pierre Ishimwe and others to build a winning squad in the qualifying campaign. Times Sport takes a look at ten Rwandan players abroad who should not be overlooked by the U-23 coaching staff. Noam Emeran ( Manchester United) By far the brightest youngster of Rwandan origin abroad, Emeran is a superb player who has all the qualities to excel in his career. He signed a new contract with Manchester United this year and had pre-season with the first team as he continues to hone his talent. Emeran has represented France at U-16 and 17 level but is still eligible to play for the land of his parents. George Lewis Ishimwe (Arsenal) The talented winger was given a new contract by Arsenal this summer despite playing just two U-23 games last season due to injuries. Lewis picked up during pre-season and he could be useful for the U-23 if he is summoned. Despite being born in Kigali, the 21-year-old winger grew up in Norway. Samuel Gueulette (Raal La Louviere) The 21-year-old central midfielder was part of the previous Rwandan U- 23 team and has also been capped by the Amavubi at senior level. He was instrumental as Raal La Louviere secured promotion to the Belgian third tier last season Maxime Kali Wenssens (free agent) A very agile goalkeeper, Wenssens, 21, was the first choice goalkeeper of the Mechelen U-21 team last season and also appeared on the bench of the senior team many times. He left Mechelen in July following the end of his contract as he felt ripe for top flight football. Wenssens was born to a Belgian father and a Rwandan mother and he is yet to play for any national team at any level. Jonathan Nsanzimana (SSV Ulm) The budding right-back went through the famous Bayern Munich Academy before joining partner club SSV Ulm last season as a free agent. Nsanzimana who can also operate as a central defender was born in Germany to Rwandan parents and he is yet to be capped internationally. Irvyn Lomami (Lyon) The 18-year-old right-back has already been promoted to the Lyon senior team this season after impressing manager Peter Bosz. Lomami was born in France to Rwandan parents and has not featured for any national team at any level Yves Mitsindo (Mechelen) The efficient central midfielder was invited to the Rwanda U-23 for the 2021 CECAFA Tournament but the competition was postponed. Despite representing Belgium at U-17 level, the Mechelen midfielder has never hidden his intentions of playing for Rwanda. The 19-year-old talent will be a great addition to the national 23 team. Emmanuel Gisa (Odd BK) Gisa features for Norwegian side Odd BK where he is one of the best midfielders in their youth side. The 19-year-old talent who is capable of playing both in defensive and offensive midfield roles was born to Rwandan parents in Norway and is eligible to feature for both countries. Trey Ryan Itangishaka (free agent) A hugely talented central midfielder, Itangishaka featured for Standard Liege before being released in June following the end of his contract. The 21-year-old player is a delight to watch as he is a complete box to box midfielder who supports both the defenders and attackers. He has been capped once by Belgium at U-17 level but is still eligible to feature for Rwanda. Sanders Ngabo (Lyngby) At just 18, Ngabo is already playing top flight football in Denmark with Lyngby where he is able to get some minutes of action. Ngabo was born to Rwandan parents in the Danish city of Sundby and has already played twice for the European nation at U-19 level although he can still feature for the Rwanda U-23 team.

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AFCON U-23: Ten foreign players who should be in Rwanda team