Branko summons 15

AMAVUBI Head Coach Tucak Branko has summoned 15 players for next Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Blida.

Thursday, October 01, 2009
BACK IN THE FOLD: Patrick Mafisango (r)is part of the 15-man team that was named by Amavubi head coach Tucak Branko yesterday. (File Photo)

AMAVUBI Head Coach Tucak Branko has summoned 15 players for next Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Blida.

The team which was named yesterday regroups this morning at Alpha Palace while intensive training sessions start later in the afternoon at Amahoro stadium.

Elias Ntaganda, Jean Mugiraneza ‘Migi’ and Patrick Mafisango are new additions to the team which lost to Egypt last month.

Mafisango was suspended; Migi sat out the game after failing to recover from a toe injury while Ntaganda was rested because of fatigue.

Mbuyu Twite, who was also suspended for the Egypt match is a surprise omission.

Amavubi are in for a huge task as they seek to revive their Africa Nations Cup (CAN) qualification hopes which were left on the ropes after the 0-1 home defeat against Egypt.

It is believed that Branko picked the squad basing on the players’ performance at the Pre-Season tournament which ended yesterday.

Apart from Mbuyu, Olivier Karekezi is the other major omission. The former Amavubi skipper faces four-weeks on the sidelines after under-going a thigh surgery last week in Norway.

Meanwhile, professionals like Amavubi skipper Hamad Ndikumana, Saddou Boubakary, Louis Aniweta, Said Abedi Makasi and Didier Kapet will join the rest of the team in Algeria according to the local football federation, Ferwafa.

After four games, Algeria top the group on 10 points, Egypt have seven while Zambia has four, three clear of bottom placed Rwanda.
AMAVUBI TEAM:

Goalkeepers: Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (Atraco) and Patrick Rutayisire (AS Kigali).

Defenders: Aimable Rucogoza (Rayon Sports), Elias Ntaganda (APR), Jean Bosco Uwacu (APR) and Donatien Tuyizere (Atraco).

Midfielders: Haruna Niyonzima (APR), Jean Mugiraneza (APR), Hussein Sibomana (Mukura), Patrick Mafisango (APR), and Albert Ngaboyisibo (APR).

Strikers: Bokota Labama Kamana (APR), Jimmy Gatete (AS Kigali) and Daddy Birori (Atraco)

Ends