March 26

Rwanda vs Burundi
Ivory Coast vs Benin

ABBAS Rassou has been named in Sellas Tetteh’s provisional squad for the upcoming 2012 Africa Nations Cup Group H qualifier against Burundi.

Amavubi host their neighbours on March 26.

It is the first time the APR striker has made the squad since last May when Rwanda edged Tanzania to qualify for the 2011 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN).

Rassou’s availability is a relief for Tetteh who is desperate to solve the team’s striking woes.

Last month, Amavubi were knocked out at the group stage of the 2011 CHAN after successive defeats against Senegal (0-2), Tunisia (1-3) and Angola (1-2).

Rassou will now partner Emmanuel Sebanani, Eric Serugaba, Kipson Atuheire and Roger Tchouassi upfront.

Tetteh has also summoned Azam FC defender Patrick Mafisango, Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes-France), Abedi Said Makasi and Musanze’s impressive midfielder Adolphe Hakundukiza. The rest of the players featured in the last two qualifying matches.

Rwanda lies at the bottom of Group H with zero points after identical 3-0 defeats against Ivory Coast and Benin, and must beat Burundi to revive their qualification chances.
Ivory Coast tops the group with six points; Benin is second on four while Burundi has one point.

Amavubi team: Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (APR),  Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Patrick Rutayisire (AS Kigali),  Clément Mutunzi (Police), Abouba Sibomana (Rayon Sport), Donatien Tuyizere (APR), Eric Gasana (APR), Adolphe Hakundukize (Musanze), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Peter Kagabo (Rayon Sport), Kipson Atuheire (APR),  Jacques Tuyisenge (Kiyovu), Haruna Niyonzima (APR), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Hussein Sibomana (Kiyovu), Abass Rassou (APR), Emmanuel Sebanani (APR), Eric Serugaba (Kiyovu), Roger Tchouassi (Police), Patrick Mafisango (Azam), Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes) and Said Abedi Makasi (club less).

Ends