Mutsinzi leads Rwanda’s foreign-based players with goal in Azerbaijan

Rwanda international defender Ange Mutsinzi scored for Azerbaijan’s Zira FK, while Emmanuel Imanishimwe featured for Chennaiyin FC as several Amavubi players returned to club action across Europe, Asia and the Middle East over the weekend.

Mutsinzi was on target in Zira’s 1-1 draw against Şamaxı in the Azerbaijani Premier League on Saturday, October 10.

The centre-back scored in the 67th minute to rescue a point after Abdullahi Shuaibu had given the visitors the lead in the 53rd minute.

Mutsinzi played the full match, underlining his importance to Zira’s defensive setup.

In India, defender Emmanuel Imanishimwe completed 90 minutes for Chennaiyin FC as they drew 1-1 away to FC Goa in their opening match of the 2026/27 Indian Super League season.

Chennaiyin took the lead through Irfan Yadwad in the 64th minute, but FC Goa responded through Chiki’s header 11 minutes later to share the points.

The appearance marked an early opportunity for Imanishimwe to establish himself following his move to the Indian club in August.

In Saudi Arabia, Bonheur Mugisha featured for Al-Hazem in their 1-1 draw against NEOM SC.

Mugisha played approximately 80 minutes in a match that brought him up against several recognisable names, including French forward Alexandre Lacazette, Algerian winger Saïd Benrahma and defender Malang Sarr.

Aboubacar Diakité scored for Al-Hazem before Benrahma equalised for NEOM.

Germany-based winger Leroy-Jacques Mickels also enjoyed a positive team result, making a late substitute appearance as Waldhof Mannheim recovered from an early setback to defeat Sonnenhof Großaspach 5-1 in the German third tier on October 10.

Mannheim conceded first but responded strongly to secure an emphatic away victory.

In Romania, midfielder Samuel Gueulette played 72 minutes for UTA Arad, who suffered a 2-0 defeat against FC Botoșani.

The hosts scored through Sebastian Mailat’s penalty in the 11th minute and Lucas De Vega six minutes later, leaving UTA with a difficult task for the remainder of the match.

Meanwhile, Kwizera Jojea came off the bench for Rhode Island FC in the United States as his side lost 1-0 away to Detroit City FC on October 10.

The result left Rhode Island needing a strong finish to its regular-season campaign as it pursued another playoff appearance.

Elsewhere, Joy-Lance Mickels featured for Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK, while Abeddy Biramahire was reported to have made his debut for Saudi Arabian side Al-Batin.

Other Rwandan players, including Phanuel Kavita, Noam Emeran and Hakim Sahabo, were reported to have remained unused substitutes.