Rwanda U20 players seen in preparations for the CAF qualifier against Kenya due on Sunday in Machakos. Courtesy Photo
Rwanda Under-20 National Team arrived in Nairobi on Friday morning ahead of the 2019 Africa Youth Cup of Nations first round, first leg match against Kenya’s Rising Stars due on Sunday at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
The first leg tie pitting Kenya’s Rising Stars against Rwanda is set to be played on Sunday, April 1, 2018, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, with the return leg slated for between April 20, and April 22, 2018.
The Junior Wasps departed Kigali in the wee hours of Friday morning and arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at 5am before heading to Machakos county by road.
They will hold a light session at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos later today afternoon ahead of their official training session on Saturday.
The National U-20 team head coach Vincent Mashami named a strong squad of 18 players with whom they will be gearing to stage a promising first leg result before they host the Kenyan side in Kigali on April 21.
Some of the key players who made into the final 18-youth team include; defensive duo of Songayingabo Shaffy ( APR FC) and Buregeya Prince (APR FC), midfielders Nyirinkindi Saleh (APR FC), Bonane Janvier (Kiyovu), Cyitegetse Bogarde (Bugesera FC) and attacking pair of Byiringiro Lague (APR FC) and Sindambiwe Protais (Intare FC), Nshimyumuremyi Gilbert (Intare FC).
Meanwhile, Kenya’s National U20 Football team, have stepped up preparations ahead of the scheduled Rwanda clash.
On Wednesday, they defeated Kenyan champions Gor Mahia 2-0 courtesy of goals from Sydney Lokale and Richard Odanda.
Should Rwanda edge past Kenya , a two-legged fixture against Zambia will be in line for the Junior Wasps in the second round between May 11 and May 13, 2018.
The final qualifying round will be staged in July with the winner earning slots to next year’s Africa U-20 Cup of Nations finals tournament in Niger.
Zambia won the 2017 finals edition staged in Lusaka following a 2-0 victory over Senegal in the final game.
Junior Wasps Squad:
Goalkeepers: Cyuzuzo Gael (Unity FC), Ntwari Fiacre (Intare FC)
Defenders: Songayingabo Shaffy ( APR FC), Buregeya Prince (APR FC), Ndayishimiye Thierry (Marines FC), Ishimwe Christian (Marines), Uwineza Aime Placide (SC Kiyovu), Nshimiyimana Govin (Intare FC) and Hakizimana Felecien (Intare FC).
Midfielders: Nyirinkindi Saleh (APR FC), Bonane Janvier (Kiyovu), Cyitegetse Bogarde (Bugesera FC), Ishimwe Saleh (Unity FC), Byukusenge Jacob (Intare FC)
Forwards: Byiringiro Lague (APR FC), Mugisha Patrick (Marines FC), Sindambiwe Protais (Intare FC), Nshimyumuremyi Gilbert (Intare FC).
