Morocco Botola League leaders AS FAR Rabat have given their star left -back Emmanuel Imanishimwe the green light to join the rest of Amavubi in the camp ahead of the crucial Africa Cup of Nations decisive qualifier against Mozambique at Huye on Sunday, June 18.
Imanishimwe has arguably been one of FAR’s best players this season and the club officials were reluctant to release him to join the national team although Ferrer summoned him, hoping that he would help the team grab a win ahead of Sunday’s decider.
However, the club accepted to release him for national team duties after helping them beat OC Khouribga 1-0 in the league on Wednesday, June 14, to go three points clear at the top of the Moroccan league and position themselves on the verge of clinching their first league title since 2008, with just one match remaining.
Their rivals, WAC who were on their heels, faltered on the same day as they were held to a goalless draw by HUSA.
FAR Rabat have now opened a three-point gap at the top of the league as they have 60 points whereas WAC are on 57.
They also have a superior goal difference with a plus of 29 while WAC have 20.
FAR Rabat needs only a draw in their final game on Saturday against eighth placed Maghreb Fes to win the title and the club now believe they can achieve it without Imanishimwe.
There were concerns that the former Rayon Sports and APR FC defender would miss Rwanda clash against Mozambique as the club wanted his services to be able to end their 15-year title jinx, a decision that did not go well with Ferrer, but Wednesday’s result eased pressure on the club which has since set him free to join the group and prepare Mozambique game.
The defender is now expected to jet in on Friday where he will immediately join the camp in Gisagara District.