Vincent Mashami, head coach of the national team, has named a 27-player provisional squad to start preparations ahead of the upcoming two fixtures against Mozambique and Cameroon in qualifiers of the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Rwanda has been drawn in Group F alongside Mozambique, Cape Verde and Cameroon who will host the tournament. Mashami’s men will start their quest for a ticket to AFCON 2021 with an away clash against the Os Mambas of Mozambique on November 14 before facing Cameroon three days later in Kigali. The squad, which was announced on Wednesday, comprises 11 foreign-based players and 16 who were selected from Rwanda Premier League teams. APR dominated the squad with six players in the section, while rivals Rayon Sports, Police and AS Kigali contributed three players each. Police goalkeeper Gahungu Habarurema is the sole new call-up in the team. The domestic-based players start training Thursday at Kigali Stadium, while their foreign-based teammates join the camp on Friday. Full 27-man squad: Goalkeepers: Yves Kimenyi (Rayon), Eric Ndayishimiye (AS Kigali), Emery Mvuyekure (Tusker FC, Kenya), Gahungu Habarurema (Police) Defenders: Abdul Rwatubyaye (Colorado rapids, U.S.), Salomon Nirisarike (Pyunik, Armenia, Thierry Manzi (APR), Fitina Ombolenga (APR), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (APR), Eric Rutanga (Rayon), Emery Bayisenge (Saif Sporting, Bangladesh) and Ange Mutsinzi (APR) Midfielders: Kevin Muhire (Mir El Makkasa, Egypt), Olivier Niyonzima (APR), Djihad Bizimana (Waasland Beveren, Belgium), Haruna Niyonzima (AS Kigali), Jean Claude Iranzi (Rayon) Ally Niyonzima (Al-Bashaer, Oman), Eric Nsabimana (AS Kigali) and Djabel Manishimwe (APR) Forwards: Medie Kagere (Simba, Tanzania), Jacques Tuyisenge (Petro Atletico, Angola), Muhadjiri Hakizimana (Emirates Club, UAE), Osee Iyabivuze (Police), Justin Mico (Police), Dany Usengimana (APR) and Patrick Sibomana (Young Africans, Tanzania) editor@newtimesrwanda.com
