Uzamukunda, new face boost Amavubi

2014 Brazil qualifiers SundayRwanda vs MaliMali vs AlgeriaELIAS Uzamukunda has been reinstated to the Amavubi squad but not after the France-based striker issued an apology, while the team has also been boosted by the addition of another new face in Steven Godfroid.Godfroid, who plays for Royal Olympic Club de Charleroi-Marchienne in the Belgian third division is hoped, will add steel in the team’s right side of the midfield for Sunday’s crucial Group H 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Benin at Amahoro stadium.Head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojovic included little- known Godfroid in his provisional 25-man squad, a week after his troops suffered a 4-0 thumping at the hands of group favourites Algeria.Following some horror performances displayed by some players last Saturday, the Serb coach was quick to wield the axe on the culprits.Uzamukunda (AS Cannes) and Godfroid take up the places of Rayon Sport’s Sina Jerome and APR’s Albert Ngabo.Uzamukunda returns to Amavubi squad after issuing an apology following his failure to join the team in Tunisia during a training camp last month.StatusUzamukunda said, “I express my sincere regret and ask for apology from all Rwandans, Ferwafa, Amavubi team and technical staff in regard to my absence from the national team duties during the Amavubi’s trip to North Africa.”“I gave my reason for my absence in Tunisia. I needed to extend my immigration status in France which why I wasn’t able to join my team mates during the training camp,” noted the former AS Kigali and APR forward, who plays in France’s second division.As for his part, Micho said, “After receiving an apology letter from Uzamukunda, we came to a consensus and decided to accept it.”However, the Serb added, “His apology does not mean that he has a guaranteed place in the team for the upcoming match. Like all the other players, he will have to first prove his worthy.”Godfroid has specifically been summoned to fill the right full back position, and with some fine displays in yesterday’s training session, the fleet-footed defender is widely seen as a better replacement for Ngabo, who struggled in the last four matches.Officials confirmedSunday’s game will be officiated by Ethiopian quartet of Bamlak Tessema Weysa, Kindle Mussie, Tigle Gizaw Belachew and Heileysus Bezezew Balete.Ismael Locate from Reunion will be the Match Commissioner, while Ahmed Elshenawi from Egypt is the Match assessor.Amavubi are at the foot of Group H on goal difference after losing to Algeria as Benin beat Mali 1-0 in Cotonou.After the group matches, the group winners will advance to the next stage. Similar to the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, Africa will field five teams at the 2014 finals in Brazil.

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Uzamukunda, new face boost Amavubi