Gasogi United center-back Emery Bayisenge expressed his excitement after being called up to Rwanda’s national team, Amavubi, for the first time in three years.
Bayisenge is part of the 31-man squad selected to prepare for Rwanda’s upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers against South Sudan. The first leg will be played in Juba on December 22, with the return leg scheduled for Kigali on December 28.
The former APR FC defender last featured for Amavubi on January 31, 2021, in a CHAN quarterfinal against Guinea, but was not selected for subsequent squads. His strong performances since joining Gasogi United in November as a free agent earned him a call-up from Rwanda head coach Frank Spittler and his staff.
“It is an honor for me to return to the national team,” Bayisenge said “I know I have a responsibility to repay the faith the coach has placed in me, and I’m confident we can get a good result against South Sudan.”
Also returning to the squad is Bugesera FC striker Yannick Bizimana, who last played for Amavubi in March 2023. Bizimana, 26, has been in strong form under Burundian coach Francis Haringingo, including scoring a late equalizer in Bugesera FC’s 2-2 draw with Police FC on Friday.
Rwanda advanced to the second round of CHAN qualifiers after defeating Djibouti 3-1 on aggregate, while South Sudan also secured a 3-1 aggregate victory over Kenya.
The Amavubi squad begins training today Monday, December 15, following the conclusion of Week 13 in the Rwanda Premier League.
