Mbonabucya returns for Rwanda

Emmanuel Muga
BBC Sport, East Africa

Mbonabucya returns to lead his country

Rwanda has named striker Desire Mbonabucya for their World Cup qualifier against Algeria on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, who is Rwanda's regular captain, has not played for his country since the qualifiers began in June 2004 as a result of injury.

Swedish coach Roger Palmgren has also given the Congolese-born Honore Kabongo his first call-up.

"He changed nationality and played for our U-23 side three years ago, so he is eligible to play for our national team," Jules Kalisa, assistant secretary general of Rwanda's FA, told BBC Sport on Friday.

Kabongo, who plays for the Turkish team Sakaryaspor, is among several Congolese-born players who have opted to play for Rwanda.

However, the Amavubi, as the Rwandan national team isknown, will be missing the services of Belgium-based star Claude Kalisa, who is injured.

South Africa-based Jimmy Gatete is also a notable absentee.

"He has been left out because the coach had not monitored him while playing in his new team," Kalisa said.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Ramadhan Nkunzingoma (APR), Jean Bigirimana (Kiyovu)
Defenders: Fritz Nkusi (FC Brussels, Belgium), Hamad Ndikumana (Rayon Sports), Jean Bitana ( Rayon), Philippe Gasana (Rayon Sports), Dany Habimana (Rayon Sports), Alua Gaseruka (APR)
Midfielders: Mwizerwa Ngabo (Creteil, France), Alafu Bulanga (Dessel Sport, Belgium), Patrick Mbonyinshuti (FC Breitenrein, Belgium), Joao Elias Raphaël Manamana (Kortrijk, Belgium), Manfred Kizito (APR), Robert Ujeneza (Rayon Sports)
Strikers:Henri Munyaneza (Dendeleuw, Belgium), Said Abeid Makasi (Sakaryaspor, Turkey) Olivier Karekezi (Helsingborgs IF, Sweden), Desire Mbonabucya ( Berlington, Belgium), Jean Lomani (El-Mereikh, Sudan), Honore Kabongo (Sakaryaspor, Turkey) and Said Nizeyimana (Yerdon, Switzerland).