Rwanda have commenced preparations for their Afcon 2017 qualifier against Mauritius on March 26 at the Anjalay Stadium in Belle-Vue before the return leg in Kigali three days later.

The European-based trio of Belgium-based central defender Salomon Nirisarike, Quentin Rushenguziminega (Lausanne Sport) and Elias Uzamukunda (Le Mans) joined the rest of the locally based players in camp on Sunday.

Gor Mahia left back Abouba Sibomana too arrived on Sunday while captain Haruna Niyonzima (Yanga) and Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Azam) arrived from Tanzania on Monday morning.

Eleven players who featured in the Caf Champions League (APR) and Confederation Cup (Police) over the weekend did a recovery session on Monday morning while the rest of the players will have a training session in the afternoon at Amahoro Stadium.

Rwanda coach Johnny McKinstry said: “I think we can push on in the Afcon 2017 qualifiers against Mauritius.”

Amavubi sit in second position in Group H with three points from a 1-0 shock away win against Mozambique last June in Maputo.

The Northern Irishman believes his side can pick up all six points against Mauritius even though he admits it will not be a walk in the park.

Mauritius was thumped by Ghana 7-1 in their opening game in Accra but went on to stun Mozambique 1-0 at home last September.

Rwanda Provisional Squad:
Goalkeepers: Eric Ndayishimiye (Rayon Sports), Olivier Kwizera (APR Fc), Marcel Nzarora (Police Fc) and Andre Mazimpaka (Mukura VS)

Defenders: Michel Rusheshangoga (APR Fc), Fitina Omborenga (SC Kiyovu), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura VS), Abouba Sibomana (Gor Mahia, Kenya), Soter Kayumba (AS Kigali), Abdul Rwatubyaye (APR Fc), Emery Bayisenge (APR Fc) and Salomon Nirisarike (STVV)

Midfielders: Yannick Mukunzi (APR Fc), Djihad Bizimana (APR Fc), Jean Baptiste Mugiraneza (Azam Fc, Tanzania), Amran Nshimiyimana (Police Fc), Haruna Niyonzima (Young Africans, Tanzania), Dominique Savio Nshuti (Rayon Sports), Innocent Habyarimana (Police Fc), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR Fc), Yussufu Habimana (Mukura VS) and Muhadjiri Hakizimana (Mukura VS)

Forwards:Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali), Quentin Kwame Rushenguziminega (Laussane Sport, Swiss), Elias Uzamukunda (Le Mans, France) and Dany Usengimana (Police Fc).

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com