Chennaiyin FC full-back Imanishimwe named in Rwanda squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Imanishimwe has played 44 times for Rwanda has played in four matches for Chennaiyin FC this season. | Photo Credit: Instagram/@imanishimwe_emmanuel24ever

Chennaiyin FC full-back Emmanuel Imanishimwe has been named in the provisional squad of Rwanda for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers in the November window.

Imanishimwe has played 44 times for Rwanda, providing two assists, and joined the Indian Super League (ISL) this summer, signing for the Marina Machans in August 2026, and has played in four matches for the club this season.

The 31-year-old’s last match before the international break ended on a forgettable note, when he was sent off against Kerala Blasters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai on October 31.

🚨UPDATE🚨 AMAVUBI SENIOR NATIONAL TEAM PROVISIONAL SQUAD MATCH 3 & 4 OF THE CAF AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS #TuriAmavubi 🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼🇷🇼 https://t.co/UfZrEPo2RM

— Rwanda FA (@FERWAFA) November 1, 2026

Rwanda is drawn in Group K of the qualifiers, alongside Mali, Cape Verde and Liberia. In November, it will play an away and a home fixture against Mali, on November 13 and 17, respectively. The country is looking to play in the group stages of the tournament for the first time in 22 years.

Rwanda has another Indian connection in this year’s qualifiers: its coach, Stephen Constantine.

Constantine formerly worked as the head coach of the Indian men’s football team, famously steering the side from 173rd in the FIFA World Rankings to 97th in three years. He also worked in the ISL, taking charge of East Bengal in the 2022-23 season.

RWANDA’S PROVISIONAL SQUAD FOR AFCON QUALIFIERS

Goalkeepers: Nyongira Patient, Hakizimana Adolphe, Mugisha Yves and Ntwari Fiacre.

Defenders: Mutsinzi Ange, Nyigena Clement, Kavita Phanuel Mabaya, Nkulikiyimana Nganji Darryl and Manzi Thierry.

Wing Backs: Imanishimwe Emmanuel, Mickels Jacques Leroy, Niyomugabo Claude, Ganjuru Elie Ishimwe, Uwumukiza Obed, Kwizera Jojea, Byiringiro Jean Gilbert and Mugisha Gilbert.

Midfielders: Mugisha Bonheur, Bizimana Djihad, Hamisi Hakim, Iradukunda Elie Tatou, Muhire Kevin and Ruboneka Jean Bosco.

Forwards: Nshuti Innocent, Mbonyumwami Taiba, Biramahire Abedy, Mickels Joy Lance, Uwiyaremye Fidele and Mickels Joy Slayd.

Published on Nov 09, 2026

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