Rwanda head coach Frank Torsten Spittler has announced a 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming Group D matches against Libya and Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.
Rwanda’s head coach, Frank Torsten Spittler, announced a 30-man provisional squad on Wednesday, November 6, to begin preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (2025 AFCON Qualifiers) matches against Libya and Nigeria.
Among the players called up, Phanuel Kavita Mabaya, a 31-year-old defender who plies his trade for USA’s Birmingham Legion FC, received his first national team call-up.
Pacifique Ngabonziza earned his call-up to the senior national team following his impressive performance against Djibouti in the CHAN qualifiers. In addition, Didie Ndayishimiye and Fils Francois Habineza have been called up from the U-20 team.
Habineza is also the only local player from the second division included in the 30-man squad.
Torsten Spittler’s team will begin their training camp on November 11 at the Amahoro training pitch.
Amavubi will host Libya at Amahoro Stadium on November 14, before traveling to Uyo, Nigeria, to face the Super Eagles on November 18 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
Currently, Nigeria leads Group D of the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers with 10 points, followed by Benin with 6 points, Rwanda with 5 points, and Libya at the bottom with 1 point.
Amavubi provisional squad:
Goalkeepers: Fiacre Ntwari (Kaizer Chiefs), Clement Twizere Buhake (Ullensaker/KISA), Gad Muhawenayo (Gorilla), and Fils Francois Habineza (Etoile de l’Est, 2nd Div. Rwanda).
Defenders: Omborenga Fitina (Rayon Sports), Jean Gilbert Byiringiro (APR), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (AEL Limassol), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Abdoul Rwatubyaye (Brera Strumica), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira), Thierry Manzi (Al Ahly Tripoli), Clement Niyigena (APR), Phanuel Kavita Mabaya (Birmongham Legion), and Yunusu Nshimiyimana (APR).
Midfielders: Djihad Bizimana (Kryvbas), Jean Bosco Ruboneka (APR), Pacifique Ngabonziza (Police), Bonheur Mugisha (Stade Tunisien), Steve Rubanguka (Al-Nojoom), Kevin Muhire (Rayon Sports), Didie Ndayishimiye (AS Kigali), Guelette Samuel Leopold (Raal).
Forwards: Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island), Arsene Tuyisenge (APR), Olivier Dushimimana (APR), Gilbert Mugisha (APR), Hadji Iraguha (Rayon Sports), Innocent Nshuti (One Knoxville), Taiba Mbonyumwami (Marines), and Onesme Twizerimana (Vision).
