Skipper Karekezi, Nirisarike called up for Benin clash

2014 World Cup QualifierSept. 8Benin vs RwandaSept 10Algeria vs BeninAMAVUBI Stars coach Eric Nshimiyimana has included three foreign-based players in his 26-man team from which he intends to pick the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifier against Benin in Porto Novo.The three include skipper Olivier Karekezi (AC Bizertin), assistant skipper Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans) and Salomon Nirisarike (Antweerp FC).Even as they have only pride to play for, the Amavubi are aiming for nothing less than victory against the West Africans.Nshimiyimana and his guns know that a win could help move the country high up on the next Fifa rankings, after it came in the lowly 131st position earlier month.The team starts residential training on Sunday at Amahoro stadium.With goalkeeper Jean-Claude Ndoli suspended for the game, Emery Mvuyekure (AS Kigali), Evariste Mutuyimana (SC Kiyovu) and Gerard Bikorimana (Rayon Sports) will compete to replace the experienced goalie.The majority of the squad are home-based players who played a part in the recent two 2014 CHAN qualifiers against Ethiopia and last week’s friendly match against Malawi.Algeria top Group H with 12 points, while second-placed Mali are four points adrift with one qualifier to play.Benin are in third with five points ahead of bottom-placed Rwanda whom have a paltry two points.Amavubi are already out of contention for 2014 World Cup.Algeria, who have already qualified to the next qualifying phase, will host Benin on September 10.Amavubi provisional squad:Goalkeepers; Emery Mvuyekure (AS Kigali), Evariste Mutuyimana (SC Kiyovu), Gerard Bikorimana (Rayon Sports);Defenders: Faustin Usengimana (Rayon Sports), James Tubane (AS Kigali), Abouba Sibomana (Rayon Sports), Ghad Niyonshuti (SC Kiyovu), Fabrice Twagizimana (Police), Gabriel Mugabo (Police), Amani Uwiringiyimana (Police), Mohamed Mpozembizi (Musanze FC), Hamdan Bariyanga (APR FC), Hassan Gasozera (Police FC) and Salomon Nirisarike (Antweerp FC-Belgium);Midfielders: Innocent Habyarimana (Police FC), Mohamed Mushimiyimana (AS Kigali), Djamar Mwiseneza (Rayon Sports), Aphrodis Hategekimana (Rayon Sports), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (APR FC), and Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans);Strikers: Jimmy Mbaraga (AS Kigali), Michel Ndahinduka Michel (APR FC), Emmanuel Sebanani (Police FC), Jacques Tuyisenge (Police FC), Olivier ‘Fils’ Karekezi (CA Bizertin-Tunisia) and Meddie Kagere (unattached).