Rwanda women’s sitting volleyball team has qualified for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil after defeating Egypt 3-2 in the Paravolley Africa sitting volleyball championship final at Amahoro Indoor Stadium last night.

In the match that lasted two hours and half, Rwanda lost the opening set 26-24 but Peter Karreman’s side fought back and won the second set 25-15.

It was Egypt that won the third set 25-23 before Rwanda secured the fourth set 26-24 before winning the decisive set 15-13.

Captain Lillian Mukobwankabo hailed her side for the comeback which helped them to win the game. "The girls gave their best to win the game. I am happy for the good work they have done.”

She added "We are happy for this ticket. It is a pleasure for the country, for us and supporters because we have been working for this. The match was very tough for us but we managed to retain our winning spirit. This is amazing.”

"We played against Egypt for the warm up matches and they beat us but today we were determined to win. We are happy for our supporters because they gave their best,” she noted.

Mukobwankabo thanked the President for giving the people with disabilities the right which was not there before. "We are pleased with President Paul Kagame, who has recognized us and given us the right to enjoy because before we were not recognized. We need many to join us and play this game.”

Karreman said, "It is happiness and joy for us. We cannot explain. It is the first time for Africa to compete at this level and Rwanda qualified first so I am happy to be a coach of this beautiful country.”

Rwanda lost to Egypt 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-13) in the men’s category.

The Paravolley Africa sitting Volleyball Championship started on July 22 at Petit Stade in Remera, Kigali and is a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.