Amavubi midfielder Hegman Ngomirakiza has been confirmed by head coach Johnny McKinstry as the only absentee from Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) quarter-final clash with rivals DR Congo at Amahoro National Stadium.

The 25-old attacking midfielder injured his knee in the final group game against Morocco in which he scored the consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat, on Wednesday.

"Ngomirakiza will not be available for today’s game which obviously limits our choices but we will keep modeling that situation and if we progress further in the tournament we shall see if he can come back and be part of the team,” Mckinstry said in a pre-match news conference on Friday at Amahoro Stadium.

He, however, noted that the midfielder’s absence will not affect his game plan, insisting he has got a balanced squad to allow contingent plans.

The Amavubi boss also disclosed that his side have been boosted by the return of right-back Michel Rusheshangoga, who had pulled muscle in the Morocco game. 

"Michel is fine, he had got what we call a dead leg knock in our last group tie against Morocco but he was back for full training the next day and is available for Saturday’s game,” stated McKinstry.

McKinstry rested eight starting players in their last group game, against Morocco, while DR Congo also rested nine.

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