CHAN Qualifiers: Spittler picks nine APR players for Djibouti tie

APR FC records the highest representation in Frank Spittler’s 26-man Amavubi provisional squad for their upcoming fixtures against Djibouti in the first round of the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Qualifiers scheduled for October 27 and 31 respectively in Kigali. The squad list comprises four goalkeepers, eight defenders, six midfielders and eight attackers. APR dominate the squad with nine players including Gilbert Byiringiro, Claude Niyomugabo, Yunusu Nshimiyimana and Clement Niyigena who all play in defense. CHAN Qualifiers: Djibouti to host Amavubi in Kigali Others include midfielder Jean Bosco Ruboneka as well as forwards Ramadan Niyibizi, Arsene Tuyisenge, Gilbert Mugisha and Olivier Dushimirimana. Their rivals Rayon Sports have three players in the squad including skipper Kevin Muhire, right-back Ombrorenga Fitina and attacker Hadji Iraguha. Police FC’s quartet of goalkeeper Patience Niyongira, Christian Ishimwe, Simeon Iradukunda and Pacifique Ngabonziza also make the cut. However, in-form Didier Mugisha, who has scored three league goals so far this season, was snubbed. Spittlers also handed call ups to two Amavubi U20 players Didier Ndayishimiye(AS Kigali) as well as Etoile de l'Est goalkeeper Fils Habineza. The duo was part of the the team that participated in the CECAFA U20 tournament in Tanzania. Amavubi last participated in the CHAN finals in 2021 in Cameroon where they reached the quarter finals. The team will be aiming to return to the continental showpiece which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania after missing the 2023 edition. The winner of the two-leg tie between Amavubi and Djibouti will face winner between South Sudan and Kenya in another preliminary round game. The latter is playing the qualifiers for formality purposes.