Rwanda to host Namibia, Congo in Pre-CHAN mini-tournament

The Rwanda Football Federation – FERWAFA has today announced that they will host a Pre-CHAN Mini tournament to run January 7-11th at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

“In a bid to better prepare for the 2021 Africa Nations Championships, we will face Namibia and Congo in a Pre-CHAN mini-tournament,” said the Rwanda Football body.

The CHAN tournament designed for local based players will take place January 16th to February 7th in Cameroon.
“We are glad that the team will get the chance to play competitive games to prepare for CHAN. We are training well and the players are responding well,” says Rwanda head coach Vincent Mashami.

The Amavubi who are pooled alongside Togo, Uganda and reigning champions Morocco for the 2021 CHAN have started preparations since December 23rd.

Since the inception of CHAN in 2009, Rwanda only missed the inaugural edition and the 2014 tournament. The Amavubi made its debut in 2011 before hosting the 2016 showpiece. Rwanda also played in the 2018 Edition played in Morocco and now qualified for the upcoming 6th edition.

Their best performance was reaching the quarterfinals in 2016. Amavubi bowed out from the group stage in 2011 and 2018 editions.

Rwanda squad

Goalkeepers: Yves Kimenyi, Eric Ndayishimiye, Olivier Kwizera, Omar Rwabugiri Ndayisonga

Defenders: Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Herve Rugwiro, Aimable Nsabimana, Fitina Ombolenga, Emmanuel Manishimwe, Eric Rutanga, Faustin Usengimana, Emery Bayisenge, Michel Rusheshangoga, Ally Serumogo

Midfielders: Olivier Niyonzima, Eric Ngendahimana, Martin Fabrice Twizeyimana, Eric Nsabimana, Djabel Manishimwe, Savio Dominique Nshuti, Rashid Kalisa

Strikers: Lague Byiringiro, Erneste Sugira, Danny Usengimana, Bertrand Iradukunda, Osee Iyabivuze, Justin Mico, Jacques Tuyisenge, Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Onesme Twizerimana