Elias Uzamukunda


Elias Uzamukunda is a Rwandan professional footballer who last played as a striker for Avoine OCC. In his home country of Rwanda, he is known as "Baby".

Club career

Early career

Uzamukunda was born in Kigali, Rwanda. He became known for his performance at the 2009 African Youth Championship, which led to interest from French professional club Nantes. Uzamukunda joined the club on a trial basis and played on the club's reserve team, however, he was not signed. Prior to that, he played for AS Kigali and A.P.R. in his home country. In January 2010, he trialled with French third-tier club Cannes and was subsequently signed the same month.

Cannes

Uzamukunda made his debut for Cannes on 7 May 2010 in a league match against Troyes appearing as a substitute in a 0–0 defeat. The following season, he scored his first goal for the club on 9 November against Créteil after appearing as a substitute 15 minutes prior. As a result of his goal, Cannes won the match 1–0.

International career

Uzamukunda previously played for Rwanda at under-20 level playing with the team at the 2009 African Youth Championship. The competition was played on home soil as Rwanda failed to progress out of the group stage. Uzamukunda scored his only goal in the competition in the team's opening 2–1 win over Mali.
Uzamukunda made his full international in debut in 2006 and scored his first senior goal in the 2–1 quarter-final win over Tanzania at the 2006 CECAFA Cup. In 2008, the young striker appeared on the bench in several qualification matches with the senior team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup under manager Branko Tucak, but failed to make any appearances. Uzamukunda failed to make any appearances with the team in 2010, despite being called up for several matches.

International goals

NoDateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
1.13 December 2007National Stadium, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania5–09–02007 CECAFA Cup
2.26 March 2011Stade Régional Nyamirambo, Kigali, Rwanda2–13–12012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification
3.11 November 2011Cicero Stadium, Asmara, Eritrea1–11–12014 FIFA World Cup qualification
4.14 November 2012Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda2–02–2Friendly