As Tetteh summons four more players

Group H (June 5)
Burundi  vs  Rwanda
Benin  vs  Ivory Coast

ÖSTERS IF’s Olivier Karekezi and Motema Pemba’s Bokota Labama have been recalled to the Amavubi squad after several months on the sidelines.

Amavubi head coach Sellas Tetteh named the pair in his provisional 27-man squad ahead of next month’s 2012 Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi’s Swallows in Bujumbura.

Karekezi, Labama and Dady Birori, who now plies his trade with DRC’s Lupopo FC, are expected to strengthen the striking line.

Other players who earned late call-ups include Kalisa Mao and Police winger Eric Ndahayo. According to a source close to the team, Ndahayo, who is the elder brother of Junior Wasps captain Emery Bayisenge, is a direct replacement for midfielder Jean Claude Iranzi, who is suspended for next week’s game.

Tetteh’s assistant Eric Nshimiyimana has now challenged Karekezi and co. to prove that they merit a place on the team.

"It’s one thing to be named on the provisional list and a totally different ball game to make the final team. It’s a level playing field so it’s up to them to prove that they deserve to wear the Amavubi jersey,” the former APR and Amavubi midfielder said.

In a related development, Simba’s Mutesa Mafisango joined camp (La Palisse Nyandungu) on Monday while AS Cannes’ striker Elias Uzamukunda a.k.a Baby is expected to jet in this Saturday.

After losing their opening qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Burundi, the wasps returned to winning ways last month with a timely 3-1 home victory over Burundi.

Jean Claude Iranzi, Baby and Eric Gasana scored the goals to end the team’s scoring duck.

Ivory Coast top the group (H) with nine points, Benin is second on four points while Rwanda follows in third place with three points. Burundi who are still chasing for their first win are at the foot of the group with one point.

While topping the group seems very unlikely, Tetteh knows that the team can still qualify if they finish inside the best three qualifiers.

Rwanda’s maiden appearance came back in 2004 under Rotamir Djokovic.

The 2012 Nations Cup will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Ends