Rwanda have named a provisional 29-man squad for their crucial two-legged encounter with Mali in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with forward Mickels Joy Lance among the players expected to lead the Amavubi’s attacking ambitions.
Head coach Stephen Constantine has selected the initial group as Rwanda prepare for the third and fourth rounds of qualifying against one of their main rivals in Group K.
Both nations have made strong starts to their campaigns, winning their opening two matches and establishing themselves as the leading teams in the group.
The upcoming fixtures are therefore expected to have a significant bearing on the race for the top position, with Rwanda hosting the first encounter in Kigali before travelling to Bamako for the return meeting.
Lance, who currently plays for Sabah in the UEFA Champions League, is one of the notable attacking options in Constantine’s selection.
The forward will be expected to provide an attacking threat as Rwanda look to maintain their winning start and strengthen their position in the qualification race.
The provisional squad also includes several players returning to the national team setup. Defender Thierry Manzi, who plays for Golan in Iraq, is back after his last appearance in March.
Élie Ganijuru of Rayon Sports has also been included, having last featured for Rwanda in September 2023.
Midfielder Jean Bosco Ruboneka, who plays for Al-Tahaddy in Libya, is another player returning after his previous involvement in March.
The selection features players based across several countries, reflecting the international spread of Rwanda’s footballers.
The group includes representatives playing in Rwanda, Iraq, Libya, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Malta, Azerbaijan, South Africa, India, Egypt, Germany, Botswana, Algeria, South Sudan and Ethiopia.
Constantine has named four goalkeepers: Nyongira Patient, Hakizimana Adolphe, Mugisha Yves and Ntwari Fiacre.
The defensive department includes Mutsinzi Ange, Niyigena Clément, Kavita Phanuel Mabaya, Nkulikiyimana Nganji Darryl, Manzi Thierry, Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Mickels Jacques Leroy, Niyomugabo Claude, Ganijuru Élie Ishimwe, Uwumukiza Obed, Kwizera Jojea, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert and Mugisha Gilbert.
In midfield, the coach has selected Mugisha Bonheur, Bizimana Djihad, Hamis Hakim, Iradukunda Élie Tatou, Muhire Kevin and Ruboneka Jean Bosco.
The forward options are Nshuti Innocent, Mbonyumwami Taiba, Biramahire Abeddy, Mickels Joy Lance, Uwiy Aremye Fidali and Mickels Joy Slayd.
The provisional selection provides Constantine with a group of players to begin preparations for the important meetings against Mali.
With both sides having collected maximum points from their opening two matches, the double-header presents Rwanda with an opportunity to strengthen their position in Group K and take an important step towards qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
