Goalkeeper Olivier Kwizera will miss Rwanda’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin after suffering a knee injury.
Kwizera, 27, didn’t feature in head coach Carlos Alós Ferrer’s 26-man final squad traveling to Porto-Novo ahead of their clash against Benin after sustaining an injury while playing for his club Al Kawkab in the Saudi Arabia league.
He was, as a result, replaced by AS Kigali goalie Fiacre Ntwari meaning that Ferrer will be using two goalkeepers during Rwanda’s upcoming qualifiers with APR shot stopper Pierre Ishimwe also traveling with the team.
Other players who were left out include Moise Nyarugabo of AS Kigali, Didier Mugisha of Police FC, and Simeon Iradukunda of Gorilla FC.
Rwanda will face Benin in the third and fourth matchdays of Group L in search of a ticket for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The match will be held on March 22 in Benin and March 27 in Huye, Rwanda.
The team left the country on Friday evening to Assia Ababa where they will play Ethiopia in a friendly match that will take place at Adama Science and Technology University Stadium on March 19 before facing Benin three days later.
Senegal is top of Group L with six points, two ahead of second-placed Mozambique while Rwanda is third with one point. Benin sit is bottom of the table without a single point.
Amavubi’s final squad to play Benin
Goalkeeper: Fiacre Ntwali (AS Kigali) and Pierre Ishimwe (APR FC)
Defenders: Ange Mutsinzi (FK Jerv), Fitina Omborenga (APR FC), Ally Serumogo (SC Kiyovu), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (FAR Rabat), Elie Ganijuru (Rayon Sports), Christian Ishimwe (APR FC), Aimable Nsabimana (Kiyovu Sports), Abdul Rwatubyaye (Rayon Sports), Thierry Manzi (AS Kigali) and Clement Niyigena (APR FC)
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana (KMSK Deinze), Kevin Muhire (Yarmouk) Ally Niyonzima (Bumamuru), Bonheur Mugisha (APR FC), Steve Rubanguka (FC Zimbru), Yorl Rafael (Gefle), Hakim Sahabo (Lille) and Hadji Iraguha (Rayon Sports)
Strikers: Fred Muhozi (SC Kiyovu), Gilbert Mugisha (APR FC), Meddie Kagere (Singida Big Stars), Bienvenue Mugenzi (SC Kiyovu), Yannick Bizimana (APR FC) and Glen Habimana (Victoria Rosport).