Players Abroad: Kwizera eyes Major League Soccer qualification, Emeran snubbed again
Monday, November 11, 2024
Kwizera celebrates with goalkeeper Kiko Vegas following their qualification to the USL Championship play-off final on Saturday, November 9. Courtesy

It was a weekend of mixed results and performances from Rwandan players plying their trade abroad.

Jojea Kwizera is just one game away from playing in the Major League Soccer next season and his dream could become a reality as soon as his Rhode Island FC side beat Charleston Battery in the USL Championship playoff final due November 16.

Elsewhere, forward King Josias Furaha is back to the Norwegian second tier with FK Jerv following a 3-1 aggregate win over Tromsdalen in the play-off while Groningen coach Dick Lukkien again dropped Noam Emeran from his squad during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Sparta Rotterdam.

Times Sport brings to you a complete wrap up of how Rwanda players fared abroad over the weekend.

England

Offensive midfielder Kamari Doyle replaced Joshua Magennis on the stroke of full time as his side Exeter City beat Charlton Athletic 1-0 at the St. James Park in the English League 1 on Saturday, November 9.

In the League 2, centre back Harvey Araujo was not in the match day squad of Chesterfield who were thrashed 3-0 by Accrington Stanley.

In the Premier League Cup, holding midfielder Claude Kayibanda was exceptional for Luton Town U21 and had 90 minutes of action as they defeated Brighton U20 2-1.

In the 6th tier, Collins Kagame was not in the match day squad of Hyde United who beat Stay Celtic 4-3.

Sweden

In the last day of the Swedish second tier league, winger Rafael York played full 90 minutes of action for Gefle IF who got relegated after losing 3-0 to GIF Sundsvall on Saturday.

In the same division, Lague Byiringiro replaced Adam Kiani in the 58th minute as his team Sandviken IF lost 2-1 to Vabergs. Sandviken finished 6th in their debut season in the second tier league.

In the Swedish third tier league, centre back Torre Rafael came in for Mohammed Youla in the 84th minute as his club Orebro Syrianka lost 2-0 to Umea.

Kaleleo Wimbabazi came in for Anton in the 46th minute as his team Pitea IF lost 4-1 to Hammarby.

ALSO READ: Exclusive Kwizera talks career, World Cup 2026 aspirations

Norway

Beltran Mvuka Nishimwe was not in the match day squad of Sandefjord who beat Odd 2-1 on match day 28 of the Norwegian topflight league.

Josias King Furaha played 76 minutes for FK Jerv who secured qualification back to the Norwegian 2nd tier League with a 2-1 victory over Tromsdalen in the playoff. He was awarded man of the match prize. They won the first leg 1-0 and thus qualified 3-1 on aggregate.

Denmark

In the second tier, Sanders Ngabo was an unused substitute for AC Horsens who lost 3-2 to OB.

ALSO READ: Players abroad: Furaha hits brace as Gitego scores in Leopards league opener

Germany

In the German 6th tier league, 20-year-old right-back Jonathan Nsanzimama played full time for SV Pullach who lost 2-1 to Bruckmuhl.

France

Right-back Warren Kamanzi replaced Gabriel Suazo in the 69th minute as Toulouse traveled to the Roazhon Park to beat Rennes 2-0 in the French Ligue 1.

In the Ligue 2, Joel Mugisha Mvuka came in for Panos Katseris in the 64th minute as his side Lorient FC posted a 3-1 win over Guingamp to move to 2nd on the league table.

In the CFA, centre back Bryan Ngwabije played 90 minutes for Blois Foot who beat Olympique Saumur 3-1.

Belgium

Central midfielder Samuel Gueulette played 58 minutes for Raal La Louviere who were defeated 2-1 by Zulte Waregem at the Elindus Arena in the Belgian Challenger Pro League on Sunday, November 10.

In the fourth division league, centre back Jeremie Mugabo was not in the match day squad of Union Namur who lost 3-1 to RAEC Mons.

Striker Glen Habimana also featured for Union Hutoise who drew 1-1 with RFC Meux.

Winger Louange Muhire was not in the match day squad of Royal Knokke who played a 2-2 draw with Thess.

Netherlands

In the Eredivisie, out-of-favour forward Noam Emeran was an unused substitute for Groningen who beat Sparta Rotterdam 1-0. The youngster continues to struggle for a place in Dick Lukkien’s setup as he last made it in the squad against Go Ahead Eagles on September 29.

Ukraine

Amavubi captain Djihad Bizimana played full 90 minutes for FC Kryvbas who drew 1-1 with Kolos.

Macedonia

Central defender Abdul Rwatubyaye played the entire game for Brera Strumica who lost 4-3 to Shkendija in a 7-goal thriller.

Azerbaijan

Ange Mutsinzi was an unused substitute for Zira FK who suffered a 4-0 humbling at the hands of Qarabag.

Switzerland

Quentin Rushenguziminega played full time for FC Echallens who drew 0-0 with Vaud while Johan Marvin was in action for the second team of Yverdon Sports who drew 1-1 with Sarraz Eclipenz.

Cyprus

Emmannuel Imanishimwe played the entire match for AEL Limassol who were humiliated 4-0 by Apoel.

USA

Jojea Kwizera played 87 minutes for Rhode Island FC who defeated Louisville City 3-0 to reach the final of the play off. They take on Charleston Battery in the USL Championship playoff final due November 16 in a match that will decide who will qualify for the Major League Soccer.

Saudi Arabia

Goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera was in the posts for Saudi second tier side Al Kawkab played out a goalless draw with Al Alhowra

Tunisia

Bonheur Mugisha played full throttle for Stade Tunisien who drew 0-0 with JS Omrane in the Ligue 1.

Anicet Ishimwe was also introduced in the 85th minute as his team Olympique lost 2-1 to ES Zarzis.

Kenya

Arthur Gitego was an unused substitute for AFC Leopards who drew 1-1 with Mara Sugar.