Gor Mahia defender, Kagere and Tuyisenge missing in Rwanda's AFCON qualifiers squad

©Emery Bayisenge Twitter

FOOTBALL Gor Mahia defender, Kagere and Tuyisenge missing in Rwanda's AFCON qualifiers squad

Festus Chuma 13:52 - 02.06.2023

The trio have been omitted from the squad that will face Mozambique.

Rwanda national team head coach Carlos Alos Ferrer has dropped Gor Mahia defender Emery Bayisenge, APR FC forward Jacques Tuyisenge and Singida Big Stars striker Meddie Kagere for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Mozambique.

The Spanish manager has used players who have been playing active first-team football instead of the trio who have been on the sidelines for the better part of the second half of the season.

Ferrer refused to comment on the trio but revealed that the door to the national team remains open to welcome new players.

"People should understand that this squad is for the Mozambique match, and then for the next round of matches everyone has a chance (to be selected)," he said.

"There are a lot of things that the technical team considers when picking a squad for a particular match or tournament. There will be changes obviously as there could be injuries and dip in form for some players, so changes will be there." 

The omission of the trio, especially Kagere, has raised questions from football stakeholders who believe that the former Gor Mahia striker is fit for selection following his past contributions to the national team.

The Tanzanian-based forward has been used as a substitute in a couple of matches, netting seven goals and two assists this campaign. 

Ferrer, however, included players featured for Rwanda's local-based national team, including Gilbert Mugisha, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, and Thiery Manzi, for the June 18 clash slated at Huye Stadium.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Fiance Ntwali (AS Kigali), Pierre Ishimwe (APR) and Adolphe Hakizimana (Rayon Sports)

Defenders: Fitina Ombalenga (APR), Ally Serumogo (SC Kiyovu), Noel Uwimana (Philadelphia Union), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (FAR Rabat), Christian Ishimwe (AS Kigali), Jimmy Ange Mutsinzi (JERV), Abdul Rwatubyaye (Rayon Sports), Thierry Manzi (AS Kigali), Faustin Usengimana (Al Qasim SC) and Aimable Nsabimana (SC Kiyovu).

Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana (Denze), Steve Rubanguka (Zimbru Chrisnau), Hakim Sabaho (Lille), Muhadjiri Hakizimana (Police), Yannick Mukunzi (Sandviken), Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR), Samuel Gueullette (Raal La Louvierre) and Rafael York (Geffle IF).

Forwards: Dominique Savio Nshuti (Police), Didier Mugisha (Police), Patrick Mutsinzi (Al Wahda), Abeddy Biramahire (US Songo), Innocent Nshuti (APR), Gilbert Mugisha (APR) and Danny Ndikumana (Rukinzo).