Teenager Hakim Sahabo has been ruled out of Amavubi’s upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya on September 4 and Nigeria on September 10 due to injury. The 19-year-old midfielder was a significant omission from coach Torsten Spittler’s provisional 36-man squad announced for the crucial matches
Hakim Sahabo has recently recovered from a knee injury but has yet to make an appearance for Standard Liege’s senior team in the Jupiler Pro League, despite two matches having already been played.
The 19-year-old midfielder had been working on his fitness, hoping to make a return to competitive action soon. However, the coaching staff at Standard Liege, along with the Amavubi medical team, have decided to give him more time to fully recover before risking his participation in the AFCON qualifiers.
Sahabo’s absence is a blow for Amavubi as they prepare to face tough opponents in Libya and Nigeria. His creativity and energy in midfield will be missed, but the team remains focused on delivering strong performances in the upcoming matches.
His only outing with his club during this season has been with the U21 where he played 45 minutes in a friendly game.
Also missing out on the squad is striker Elijah Ani who agreed to switch allegiance from his native Nigeria to Rwanda and was part of the provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers last June against Benin and Lesotho.
Meanwhile, new Police FC midfielder Olivier Niyonzima who missed the games against Benin and Lesotho also returns to the squad.
Full provisional squad
Fiacre Ntwari
Maxime Wenssens
Adolphe Hakizimana
Gad Muhawenayo
Niyongira Patience
Ombrorenga Fitina
Gilbert Byiringiro
Claude Niyomugabo
Emmanuel Imanishimwe
Hakim Bugingo
Ange Mutsinzi
Thierry Manzi
Clement Niyigena
Aimable Nsabimana
Yunusu Nshimiyimana
Ally Kwitonda
Djihad Bizimana
Bosco Ruboneka
Simeon Iradukunda
Bonheur Mugisha
Nkudimana
Steve Rubanguka
Olivier Niyonzima
Jojea Kwizera
Ramadhan Niyibizi
Olivier Dushimimana
Gilbert Mugisha
Hadji Iraguha
Kevin Muhire
Samuel Gueulette
Hamis Hakim
Innocent Nshuti
Arthur Gitego
Didier Mugisha
Taiba Mbonyumwami
Jean Hirwa
