Junior Wasps will start training today at Amahoro National Stadium ahead of their 2019 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Kenya late next month.

Rwanda will play against Kenya in a two-legged first round qualifier with the first leg slated to be played between March 30 and April 1 in Nairobi, while the return leg is due between April, 20-22 in Kigali.

Players who have been selected include APR trio of centre-backs Prince Buregeya and Shaffy Ngaboyisonga and striker Lague Byiringiro, and Rayon Sports midfielder Alitijan Tumushime.

"Preparations will start Wednesday with all the players in the provisional squad,” said Vincent Mashami, the coach of U20 coach.

The winner between Rwanda and Kenya will face defending champions Zambia in the second round in May.

The final qualifying round will be staged in July with the winner earning automatic slots to next year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations.

In other first round fixtures, Mauritania will take on Morocco, Guinea Bissau will face Sierra Leone, Algeria will play against Tunisia, Liberia will face Benin, while Gabon will take on Togo, with Ethiopia up against Burundi.

Zambia, Guinea, Nigeria, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Libya, Cote d’Ivoire and Sudan have been given a bye to the second round.

Zambia are the defending champions after winning the 2017 finals edition staged in Lusaka following a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the final.

In the previous qualifying campaign held in June 2016, Rwanda, under Jean Baptiste Kayiranga, bowed out in the second round after losing 2-3 on penalties following a 1-1 aggregate tie.

Rwanda last hosted the 2009 edition of the CAF U-20 Nations Cup.

The Total U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is the main international youth football competition for CAF, and is competed for by under 20 year olds. It is held every two years with the top 4 teams qualifying for the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Cyuzuzo (Unity), Fiacre Ntwali (Intare) and Eduard Iratugenera (Mukura)

Defenders: Shaffy Songayingabo (APR), Prince Buregeya (APR), Christian Ishimwe (Marines), Placide Aime Uwineza (SC Kiyovu), Marc Nkubana (Unity), Govin Nshimiyimana (Intare), Oliver Habineza (Rayon Sports), Trésor Ndabarasa (Unity), Felicien Hakizimana (Intare) and Clement Niyigena (Intare).

Midfielders: Saleh Nyirinkindi (APR), Janvier Bonane (SC Kiyovu), Bogarde Cyitegetse (Bugesera), Alitijan Tumuhime (Rayon Sports), Fred Muhozi (AS Kigali), Saleh Ishimwe (Unity), Jacob Byukusenge (Intare), Charles Nyandwi (Intare), Emmanuel Uwimana (Intare) and Jean Paul Nduwayezu (Musanze).

Forwards: Lague Byiringiro (APR), Patrick Mugisha (Marines), Protais Sindambiwe (Intare), Gilbert Nshimyumuremi (Intare), Aloysias Tumusime (Intare) and Emmanuel Fleury Ndayisenga (Mukura)

Staff: Vincent Mashami (head coach), Yves Rwasamanzi (assistant coach), Alexis Mugabo (goalkeeper cosch), Assouman Nuru (Physio/Doctor), Felix Nizeyimana (Team Managr) and Eric Kantona Tuyisenge (Kit Manager).

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