Elias Uzamukunda, who plays for French Club AS Cannes, is the only Europe-based player in the 30-man provisional list released by the Rwandan FA ahead of the 2013 Africa Nations Cup first leg qualifier against the Super Eagles.
The 30 players are jostling for shirts in the final team that will confront Nigeria in Kigali on February 29 .
Break down
A break down of the list shows that three goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and six strikers were invited.
Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic, who has had a near perfect start as Rwanda coach after a run of seven wins, two draws and one defeat, is targeting an upset against the Eagles, who are still smarting from their failure to make it to the just concluded Nations Cup tournament.
Already the Confederation of African Football has chosen South African referee, Daniel Bennett, to handle the Rwanda Nigeria game.
The 36-year-old is one of South Africa’s five FIFA-badged referees, and will be assisted by fellow South Africans, Zakhele Thusi Siwela (1st Assistant), Luyanda Somi (2nd Assistant) and Tinyiko Victor Hlungani (Reserve Referee). Hassan Waberi Suleiman from Djibouti will be the match commissioner.
Meanwhile Super Eagles coach stephen keshi is also expected to make public the list of Nigerian players to be invited for the Rwanda game before the week runs out.
Rwanda Squad
Goalkeepers: Jean Claude Ndoli (APR), Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (APR) and Pascal Dukuzeyezu (SC Kiyovu)
Defenders: Ndabo Albert (APR), Soter Kayumba (Etincelles), Eric Gasana (APR), Solomon Nirisarike (Isonga), Emery Bayisenge (Isonga), Gabriel Mugabo (Mukura), Patrick Umwungeri (SC Kiyovu) Ismail Nshutiyamagara (APR), Sadou Aboubacar (Oman) and Jonas Nahimana (AC Leopards-Kenya)
Midfielders: Jean Baptista Mugiraneza (APR), Hussein Sibomana (SC Kiyovu), Tumaine Ntamuhanga (Rayon Sport), Hegman Ngoma (APR), Eric Nsabimana (Isonga), Jean Paul Havugarurema (La Jeunesse), Jerome Sina (Rayon Sport), Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga-Tanzania), Charles Tibingana (Proline-Uganda), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR) and Farouk Ruhinda (Isonga)
Strikers: Elias Uzamukunda (AS Cannes-France), Dady Birori (AS Vita-DR Congo), Meddie Kagere (Police), Bokota Labama Kamana (Rayon Sport), Bonny Bayingana (Express-Uganda) and Olivier Karekezi (APR).
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