Rwanda head coach Torsten Spittler has opened up on decision to drop Standard Liege midfielder Hakim Sahabo and Gefle IF winger Rafael York from his 38-man provisional squad for the forthcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers double header against Benin in October.

Sahabo and York haven&039;t featured for Amavubi since June this year and Spittler revealed they are now temporary out of his team due to what he termed as ‘bad behavior’ in the dressing room.

The German gaffer pointed out that York lied about his fitness level which nearly cost the team.

"Last time he (York) had an injury for his own reasons, I don't understand. I would say that it is not in line with the principles of the national team; he told me that he is fine but, when I put him on (against Benin), you saw what happened...that forced me to replace him immediately. So I decided to put him aside,” Spittler told the Press

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Concerning Sahabo, Spittler mentioned that the teenager is becoming a "problem" for the team and stringent measures had to be taken until he reforms.

"Sahabo is in the same league as York. He causes me a lot of problems because of the way he handles things. You know, there's no other player I talk about as much as him. The coaches talked to me, and I put him in the same room as the captain Djihad so that he will talk to him, but all turned on a deaf ear."

"Last time he was injured but now he is just recovering and I heard rumors that he has problems with the coach at Standard Liege but I am yet to verify."

Torsten said omitting them from his squad is a great step for them to change because they are excellent players who have potential to make great impact on the national team’s performance.

"I am coming out on why they are not in the team so that it will at least help them change because they are some of the best players with great talent," he added.

Rwanda are third in Group D with 2 points, having recorded a 1-1 draw with Libya in Tripoli as well as a goalless draw with Group leaders Nigeria at Amahoro Stadium.