McKinstry names strong squad for Mozambique tie

Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry has named a strong 29-man provisional squad ahead of the first 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Mozambique on the weekend of June 13-14. The Irish tactician has summoned France-based striker Elias Uzamukunda who plies his trade for ASF Anderieux in Ligue 2 in a bid to present more goal-scoring options for the national side that has been shy in front of goal, failing to score an away goal in 19 months since Michel Ndahinduka’s strike against Eritrea in the 2013 CECAFA Senior Challenge group stages in Kenya. McKinstry said, “The Commemoration Cup is a platform for the new faces to prove themselves for a place in the final squad to face Mozambique.” The league top scorer with 14 goals Isaie Songa of AS Kigali and teammate Ernest Sugira have also been included in the squad that joins residential camp this evening at La Palisse Nyandungu and will have a recovery session this evening with the 12 APR players who have a game today expected to join camp after their game and will be part of tomorrow’s light training session. Amavubi Captain Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans, Tanzania) and the on-form Abouba Sibomana from Gor Mahia as well as Antoine Ndayishimiye (Gicumbi) who impressed in the recent Rio Olympic qualifying campaign impressed with the U-23 side. Amavubi squad Goalkeepers: Eric Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports), Olivier Kwizera (APR), Emery Mvuyekure (Police), Marcel Nzarora (Police) Defenders: Emery Bayisenge (APR), Ismael Nshutiyamagara (APR), Faustin Usengimana (Rayon Sports), Herve Rugwiro (APR), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Fitina Ombolenga (SC Kiyovu), Eric Rutanga (APR), Abouba Sibomana (Gor Mahia) Midfielders: Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Yannick Mukunzi (APR), Djihad Bizimana (Rayon Sports), Robert Ndatimana (Rayon Sports), Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans – Yanga), Kevin Muhire (Isonga), Andrew Buteera (APR) Attackers: Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Jean Marie Safari (Gicumbi), Dominique Savio Nshuti (Isonga), Jacques Tuyisenge (Police), Bertrand Iradukunda (APR), Forwards: Michel Ndahinduka (APR), Isaie Songa (AS Kigali), Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali), Antoine Ndayishimiye (Gicumbi), Elias Uzamukunda (ASF Anderieux). editorial@newtimes.co.rw