Amavubi head coach Carlos Ferrer has announced a 28-man provisional squad that ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Senegal and Mozambique in June.

Among the big absentees include national team skipper Haruna Niyonzima and Vice-captain Jacques Tuyisenge who were both dropped from the squad alongside Ernest Sugira while defender Abdul Rwatubyaye and Yannick Mukunzi miss out through injury.

Rwanda is pooled in Group L of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers alongside defending champions Senegal, Mozambique and Benin.  

Amavubi host Senegal at Huye Stadium in opening match of the AFCON qualifiers between May 30 and June 1 before visiting Mozambique two weeks later in a qualifier that is likely to be played in South Africa.

Meanwhile, the national team will head for residential camp next week after this weekend’s national league fixtures.

Provisional Squad:

Goalkeepers: Olivier Kwizera (Rayon), Fiacre Ntwari (AS Kigali), Yves Kimenyi (Kiyovu)

Defenders: Emmanuel Imanishimwe, (FAR Rabbat), Salomon Nirisarike (Urartu), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Aimable Nsabimana (APR), Ange Mutsinzi (Portugal), Prince Buregeya (APR)

Fitina Ombolenga (APR), Thierry Manzi (FAR Rabbat, Ally Serumogo (Kiyovu), Thierry Ndayishimiye (Kiyovu), Clément Niyigena (Rayon Sports), Christian Ishimwe (AS Kigali).

Midfielders: Blaise Nishimwe (Rayon), Djabel Manishimwe (APR), Bonheur Mugisha (APR), Djihad Bizimana (Belgium), Kevin Muhire (Rayon), Rafael York (Sweden), Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR).

Strikers: Danny Usengimana (Police), Meddie Kagere (Simba SC), Lague Byiringiro (APR), Yves Mugunga (APR), Muhajiri  Hakizimana (Police) and Antoine Dominique Ndayishimiye (Police).