Rwanda national football team head Coach, Johnny McKinstry, has named the final squad of 23 players for the forthcoming Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) finals tournament which will be held in Rwanda from January 16- February 7.

The 30-year-old Irish-born tactician announced the final squad on Thursday afternoon in Rubavu where 32 players have been intensively training in residential camp for the last two weeks.

After releasing the squad, the former Sierra Leone trainer, McKinstry told Times Sport in a telephone interview that he is confident in the squad and all players are physically fit and mentally strong for the battle ahead.

Video: CHAN 2016: Amavubi stars held by Cameroon in friendly

The nine players, who failed to make the cut in the team include; Muhadjiri Hakizimana, Alexis Ngirimana, Yvan Senyange, Kevin Muhire, Marcel Nzarora, Djuma Nizeyimana, Jean Paul Havugarurema, Mohamed Mushimiyimana and Isaie Songa.

Meanwhile, after playing a 1-all draw against Cameroon on Wednesday, Amavubi will take on Democratic Republic of Congo in another build-up match on Sunday also at Umuganda stadium before the team relocates to Kigali to prepare for the opening game against Ivory Coast next Saturday.

Full 23-man final squad

Goalkeepers: Jean Luc Ndayishimiye (Rayon), Olivier Kwizera (APR) and Jean Claude Ndori (APR).

Defenders: Michel Rusheshangoga (APR), Fitina Omborenga (Kiyovu), Celestin Ndayishimiye (Mukura), Mwemere Girinshuti (Police), Faustin Usengimana (APR), Abdul Rwatubyaye (APR), Emery Bayisenge (APR) and Fiston Munezero (Rayon).

Midfielders: Yannick Mukunzi (APR), Djihad Bizimana (APR), Rachid Kalisa (Police), Hegman Ngomirakiza (Police) and Imran Nshimiyimana (Police).

Forwards: Dominique Savio Nshuti (Rayon), Innocent Habyarimana (Police), Jean Claude Iranzi (APR), Jacques Tuyisenge (Police), Yussufu Habimana (Mukura), Ernest Sugira (AS Kigali) and Dany Usengimana (Police).

Additional reporting by Times