World/Africa Nations Cup qualifier
Nov. 14
Rwanda v Zambia
Egypt v Algeria

OLIVIER Karekezi is expected to start training with Amavubi Stars today.

The Norway-based player, who was expected to jet in last night aboard SN Brussels, has fully recovered from a thigh injury and is now expected to play a vital role in Amavubi’s decisive 2010 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Zambia.

Karekezi, regarded to be one of Rwanda’s most gifted players by many confirmed his availability for Group C’s final tie after successfully recovering from a thigh injury sustained while playing for Ham Kam in the Norwegian second division.

The 27-year old attacking midfielder underwent surgery in September and spent four weeks on the sideline thereby missing Amavubi’s 1-3 away loss to Algeria.

Other professionals expected include Said Abedi Makasi, who features for Morocco’s Difaa El Jadida, Amavubi captain Hamad Ndikumana aka Katauti (AEL Limassol), Saddou Boubakary (Al Ahly Tripoli), Louis Aniweta (Nea Salamina Famagusta), Jean Paul Lutula (FC Brussels) and Edwin Ouon (AEL Limassol).

Despite managing a point from a possible 15, Rwanda, ranked 114th in the world still have a mathematical chance of making it to Angola. Amavubi need to win the Cooper Bullets by a two-goal margin to realize their dream.

In the meantime, Coach Herve Renard has named a 21-man squad for the November 14 tie.

The midfield pair of Andrew Sinkala and Isaac Chansa has been overlooked after reportedly criticizing the Frenchman’s training methods prior to Zambia’s defeat to Egypt last month.

Other influential players left out include South Africa based winger Clifford Mulenga and Collins Mbesuma (Moroka Swallows).

Technically, a two-goal victory for Amavubi will leave the sides level on points, bringing goal difference and the head to head record into play.

Zambia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa) and Kalilo Kakonje (Amazulu, South Africa).

Defenders: Emmanuel Mbola (Pyunik Yerevan, Arminia), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Thomas Nyirenda (Zanaco), Hichani Himoonde (Zesco United) and Chintu Kapamba (Amazulu, South Africa), Francis Kasonde (Oman) and Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes).

Midfielders: Rainford Kalaba (Unaio de Uleria, Portugal), Noah Chivuta (Maritzburg United), William Njobvu (Israel), Stophila Sunzu (Africa sports) and Felix Katongo (Mamelodi Sundown, South Africa).

Strikers: James Chamanga (Dalian Haichang, China), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), Christopher Katongo (Armenia Bielefeld, Germany), Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DRC) and Emmanuel Mayuka (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Signs Chibambo (Heartland, Nigeria) and Jonas Sakuwaha (FC Lorient, France).

Ends