Chiefs reserve keeper in line for World Cup action

Kaizer Chiefs back-up goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwali might not have started a match for his club since last October, but he has again been included in Rwanda’s squad for World Cup action next month.

Ntwali last kept goal for Chiefs when they lost 4-0 at home to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Knockout last October but has been first choice for his country in all six of their Group C qualifiers, including the 2-0 home win over South Africa in November 2023.

Rwanda are in joint second place in the group with eight points, level with Benin, but trailing Bafana Bafana, who sit at the head of the standings with 13 points.

Rwanda coach Adel Amrouche has named a 27-man squad for the two away games against Nigeria on September 6 in Uyo and then Zimbabwe on September 9 at the Orlando Stadium.

There are five locally based players in line to win a first cap – Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles), Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club), Alex Nduwayo (APR), David Niyo (SC Kiyovu) and Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports).

The squad has 17 foreign-based players.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Clement Buhake (Ullensaker/Kisa, Norway), Pierre Ishimwe (APR), Fiacre Ntwali (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa)

Defenders: Thierry Manzi (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Phanuel Kavita (Birmingham Legion, USA), Ange Mutsinzi (Zira, Azerbaijan), Alex Nduwayo (APR), Darrly Nganji Nkurikiyimana (Standard Liege, Belgium), Claude Niyomugabo (APR), Emmanuel Nshimiyimana (Rayon Sports), Fitina Ombalenga (APR)

Midfielders: Djihadi Bizimana (Al Ahly Tripoli, Libya), Claude Kayitaba (Bedford Town, England), Bonheur Mugisha (Al Masry, Egypt), Kevin Muhire (Jamus, South Sudan), Christian Mukudju (Elite Football Club), Bryan Clovis Ngwabije (Dieppe, France)

Forwards: Abeddy Biramahire (Entente Setif, Algeria), Arthur Gitego (FUS Rabat, Morocco), Aly Enzo Hamon (Angoulême, França), Anicet Ishimwe (Olympique Beja, Tunísia), Djabilu Ishimwe (Etincelles), Jojea Kwizera (Rhode Island, EUA), Gilbert Mugisha (APR), David Niyo (SC Kiyovu), Innocent Nshuti (ES Zarzis, Tunisia).