CHAN stars dominated Rwanda squad
Rwanda continues to count gains from hosting of the recent African Nations Championship (CHAN) with their squad for the AFCON 2017 double-header against Mauritius later this month dominated by members of the CHAN team.
As many as 15 players from the quarter-final reaching team have been named by Head Coach Jon McKinstry’s in his 26-man squad for the Group H duel against Mauritius on Saturday, 26 March 2016 in Belle-Vue and three days later in Kigali.
Defender Emery Bayisenge, who scored the opening goal of the tournament in the 1-0 win over Cote d’Ivoire, and top scorer Ernest Sugira are amongst the retained players. The hosts were bundled out at the quarters losing 2-1 after extra time to eventual winners, DR Congo.
Only six foreign-based players were recalled. Captain Haruna Niyonzima, who plays for Tanzania giants, Young Africans; defender Salomon Nirisarike of Sint-Truidense (Belgium), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza of Azam (Tanzania), Abouba Sibomana of Gor Mahia (Kenya),
Quentin Rushenguziminega of Lausanne Sport (Switzerland) and and France-based Elias Uzamukunda.
McKinstry tells Cafonline.com that the double-header with Mauritius is a must win encounter to keep their qualification dream alive.
“It is only six weeks since the end of CHAN, and it is good to be bringing the team together once again for two very important AFCON 2017 qualifiers with Mauritius. Following the good performances in CHAN, many of the stand-out performers from the tournament have retained their places in the squad.
“In addition, we have added a number of other players who have showed good form since the resumption of the Tanzania league. We also welcome back our players based abroad in leagues around Africa and Europe, and I am looking forward to the high level of competition we expect to have in camp.
“Looking at the games against Mauritius, we expect two tough encounters. Make no mistake about it. Mauritius will fight for every ball over the two games. In 2015, they gained credible draws against both Togo and Burundi, whilst also claiming victories against Seychelles and a very talented Mozambique team.
“As such, no one should take them lightly. We need to be at our best to ensure we get positive results from these games to continue on the path to AFCON 2017. Both the coaching staff and players appreciate the challenge in front of us, and will prepare appropriately for it,” said McKinstry.
The team is expected to resume camp on Saturday, 19 March 2016 to begin preparations for the two matches.
Rwanda have three points same as Mauritius, three shy of leaders Ghana, with Mozambique at the bottom pointless.
Full Squad