Mulisa names final squad ahead of Ghana tie

Amavubi interim head coach Jimmy Mulisa has named an 18-man squad for the Group H Africa Nations qualifier tie against Ghana on September 3 at the Accra Sports Stadium in the West African country. He has dropped six players from the team, including goalkeeper Jean Claude Ndoli (AS Kigali), Djihad Bizimana (APR), Soter Kayumba (AS Kigali), Dany Usengimana (Police), Onesme Twizerimana (APR) and Andrew Buteera (APR). After naming his squad Mulisa said, “I have told them that this game can change their lives in football. If they need to be professional players, they need to show their capacity in this game.” But Mulisa noted that it will be a tough game because Ghana is a strong team. “Many of the outstanding performers in training will help us in the game against Ghana; the foreign-based players will add something good in the team, so we are confident the squad will do better,” he noted. “We have players who have been working hard, determined and devoted to ensure that this qualifying match goes well. The mood and spirit in camp is positive,” added theformer APR forward. Rwanda sits second in Group H tied on six points with Mauritius who travel to Maputo to face bottom placed Mozambique that have four points. Ghana top the group with 13 points and have already secured a slot at Afcon 2017 Gabon next year in January. The squad: Goalkeepers: Eric Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports) and Marcel Nzarora (Police). Defenders: Emmanuel Imanishimwe (APR), Faustin Usengimana (APR), Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Fiston Munezero (Rayon Sports), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura VS), Helve Rugwiro (APR) and Thierry Manzi (Rayon Sports). Midfielders: Yanick Mukunzi (APR), Ally Niyonzima (Mukura VS), Jean Baptiste ‘Migi’ Mugiraneza (Azam), skipper, Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga)) and Muhadjir Hakizimana (APR). Forwards: Savio Dominique Nshuti (Rayon Sports), Innocent Habyarimana (APR), Ernest Sugira (Vital Club), and Jacques Tuyisenge (Gor Mahia). Coaching Staff: Head Coach, Jimmy Mulisa; Assistant Head Coach, Vincent Mashami; Goalkeeper Coach, Thomas Higiro. editorial@newtimes.co.rw