France’s Le Mans FC and Amavubi striker, Elias ‘Baby’ Uzamukunda has been ruled out of the 2017AFCON qualifiers against Mozambique after suffering a knee injury back in France. The game is slated for June 4 at Amahoro Stadium.

Uzamukunda reportedly sustained a knee injury during his club’s final training session last week in France, forcing him to miss their game against Chateauroux on Saturday in League 2.

Uzamukunda was advised not to travel to Rwanda, given the short time available to recover ahead of the Mozambique game.

Head Coach Johnny McKinstry said, "Uzamukunda has had a good season with Le Mans this year. It is unfortunate that due to this injury, he will be unable to join the Amavubi squad as planned, but we wish him a speedy recovery, and look forward to having him join the squad again in future for upcoming games.”

However, Amavubi continue their preparations ahead of Saturday’s must-win Group H qualifier against Mozambique, after the 0-2 loss against Senegal in an international friendly. Amavubi resumed training on Sunday at Amahoro Stadium after the squad was also trimmed down to 25 players.

Rwanda stunned Mozambique in the first leg of qualifiers last June in Maputo to record their first away win in four years, but lost 1-0 to AFCON 2015 finalists Ghana in September.

A shock 1-0 loss to Mauritius in Belle Vue in March threatened Rwanda’s chances of qualification but a superb comeback three days later, saw the Amavubi humiliate Mauritius 5-0 in front of a fully packed Amahoro Stadium.

Amavubi will be keen on registering maximum points to edge closer to Rwanda’s second participation at the continental tourney that attracts the big teams of Africa.

Rwanda’s last appearance at AFCON was back in 2004.

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