Rwanda international and Kenya’s Gor Mahia forward Jacques Tuyisenge has been ruled out for three weeks with a back injury he sustained against Rayon Sports last Sunday.

Tuyisenge will miss the return-leg against USM Alger in Caf Confederation Cup on August 29, and most likely the Group H game between Rwanda and Ivory Coast in the qualifiers of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations slated for September 9 in Kigali.

The 26-year old has been a key player for Gor since joining Kenyan champions mid 2016 after a stellar showing at the African Nations Championship staged in Rwanda earlier that year.

"I was feeling a lot of pain, I still do but I am progressively getting better. Doctors have said I may be out for at least three weeks. I hope to come back stronger. It’s unfortunate that I am going to miss very important games for club and country,” Tuyisenge said.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Amavubi began preparations at Kigali Stadium as they prepare for the AFCON qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire next month.

Amavubi are in Group H alongside Ivory Coast, Guinea and the Central African Republic, CAR.

Rwanda lost 2-1 to CAR in their first group game in June last year, in Bangui.

Group leaders Guinea stunned 2015 winners Ivory Coast 3-2 in Abidjan. Ivory Coast and Rwanda are third and fourth, respectively, each without a point.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw