Somalia’s national U-23 side will host their Rwandan counterparts at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, Kenya for the return leg of the Caf U-23 Championship preliminary round qualifier on May 9.
According to Rwanda head coach Johnny McKinstry, this is good for his side since the pitch has natural grass, the same surface as the current training venue the team are training on in Kigali at the Amahoro Stadium.
He said: “We begin training on Monday afternoon at Amahoro Stadium which has a grass surface and that is good for us because it is the same with the one at Kasarani. And also we shall not have so many fans at the stadium so the players can hear my instructions.”
Rwanda won the first leg 2-0 with goals from Yannick Mukunzi and 16-year-old Kevin Muhire and will be hoping to build on the two-goal advantage when they face-off again this weekend.
Meanwhile, McKinstry has included six new faces in the 24-man provincial squad that commence training for the return leg on Monday afternoon.
The duo of Rachid Kalisa (Police FC) and Fitina Ombolenga (SC Kiyovu) return to the U-23 fold for the first time since the Rwanda U-23 1-1 draw with Tanzania U-23 in a friendly match in January.
Goalkeepers Emmanuel Bwanakweri (Gicumbi) and Habarurema Gahunda (Marines) as well as the Gicumbi midfield duo of Cedric Mugenzi and Shadad Nsengayire have earned their first national team call-up.
RWANDA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Marcel Nzarora (Police), Emmanuel Bwanakweri (Gicumbi) and Habarurema Gahunda (Marines)
Defenders: Emery Bayisenge (APR), Abdul Rwatubyaye (APR), Solomon Nirisarike (VV St. Truiden-Belgium), Fitina Ombolenga (SC Kiyovu), Janvier Mutijima (AS Kigali), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura VS), Emmanuel Imanishimwe (Rayon Sport)
Midfielders: Rachid Kalisa (Police), Shadad Nsengayire (Gicumbi), Yannick Mukunzi (APR), Bon Fils Kabanda (ASD Sangiovannese-Italy), Kevin Muhire (Isonga), Cedric Mugenzi (Gicumbi), Yves Rubasha (Portland Timbers-USA).
Forwards: Justin Mico (AS Kigali), Dominique Savio Nshuti (Isonga), Jean Marie Muvandimwe (Gicumbi), Isaie Songa (AS Kigali), Isaac Muganza (Rayon Sport), Bertrand Iradukunda (APR) and Bienvenue Mugenzi (Marines).
