Rwanda name provisional squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Liberia and Cape Verde

Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine has announced his provisional squad for the Amavubi’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Liberia and Cape Verde.

Constantine has selected a 26-man squad as Rwanda begins preparations for a crucial double-header in Group K, which also features Mali.

The Amavubi will open their qualifying campaign against Liberia on September 25 before travelling to face Cape Verde four days later on September 29.

The squad includes a mixture of domestic-based players and professionals plying their trade abroad, with several experienced names expected to play key roles during the qualifiers.

Among the foreign-based players called up are defender Ange Mutsinzi of Zira FK, Clement Niyigena of Smouha SC and Phanuel Kavita of Birmingham Legion.

The midfield also features Djihad Bizimana of CS Constantine, Bonheur Mugisha of Al Hazem and Samuel Guelette of UTA Arad, while the attack includes players such as Innocent Nshuti, Abeday Biramahire and Joy Lance Mickels.

Constantine will now use the preparation period to assess his players before finalising the squad for the two important fixtures.

Rwanda will be targeting a positive start against Liberia before facing a difficult trip to Cape Verde, with the results potentially playing an important role in their hopes of progressing from Group K.

Rwanda’s provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Patient Niyongira (Police FC), Adolphe Hakizimana (APR FC), Fiacre Ntwari (Kruger United), Yves Mugisha (Rayon Sports).

Defenders: Ange Mutsinzi (Zira FK), Clement Niyigena (Smouha SC), Phanuel Kavita (Birmingham Legion), Darryl Nkulikiyimana Nganji (Standard Liège).

Midfielders: Bonheur Mugisha (Al Hazem), Djihad Bizimana (CS Constantine), Samuel Guelette (UTA Arad), Hakim Hamis (Kiyovu SC), Keddy Nsanzimfura (Kiyovu SC), Kevin Muhire (Jamus FC).

Forwards: Innocent Nshuti (Al Wafaq Ajdabiya), Taibo Mboni Umwami (Ethiopian Coffee SC), Abeday Biramahire (Al Batin FC), Joy Lance Mickels (Sabah FK), Fidal Uwiyaremye (APR FC), Slayd Mickles (Hibernians).