‘Baby’ joins Amavubi camp

Afcon qualifiersSaturdayRwanda vs BurundiBenin vs Ivory Coast FRANCE-based striker Elias Uzamukunda a.k.a Baby jetted in yesterday and headed straight into camp ahead of Saturday’s crunch Orange Africa Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi. The former APR and AS Kigali striker, who now plies his trade with French second division side AS Cannes, is one of two professionals in the provisional 22-man squad summoned by head coach Sellas Tetteh. The other is Azam midfielder Mutesa Patrick Mafisango, who joined camp over the weekend.Baby returns to the national team fold after four years. The striker last featured for the wasps during Michael Nees’ reign back in 2008.Baby, who turns 20 in May, stole the limelight during the 2009 Africa Youth Championship, were his runs and clever game awareness attracted the attention of AS Cannes. After successfully passing trials, Baby made his AS Cannes debut in a goalless draw against Troyes on May 7, 2010. The following season, he scored his first goal for the club on November 9 against Créteil after coming on as a second half substitute. As a result of his goal, Cannes won the match 1–0. After identical 3-0 defeats in the first two qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Benin, it is clear that Amavubi’s striking line needs strengthening so Baby is likely to partner Abbas Rassou, who as expect returns to the squad after recovering from a knee injury. The two defeats left Rwanda at the foot of Group H while Ivory Coast maintains top spot with six points having also beaten Burundi 1-0. Benin is second with four points while Burundi follows in third place with a point. The group winners will automatically qualify for the 2012 Nations Cup which will be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Provisional 22-man Squad: Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (APR), Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Patrick Rutayisire (AS Kigali), Clement Mutunzi (Police), Abouba Sibomana (Rayon Sport), Donatien Tuyizere (APR), Eric Gasana (APR), Adolphe Hakundukize (Musanze), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Peter Kagabo (Rayon Sport), Kipson Atuheire (APR), Jacques Tuyisenge (Kiyovu), Haruna Niyonzima (APR), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR), Hussein Sibomana (Kiyovu), Abbas Rassou (APR), Emmanuel Sebanani (APR), Eric Serugaba (Kiyovu), Roger Tchouassi (Police), Patrick Mafisango (Azam), Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes) and Said Abedi Makasi (club less). Ends

Sports

‘Baby’ joins Amavubi camp