Wednesday

Men’s Final

Rwanda          38-32      Uganda

Women final

Uganda           29-23      Kenya

After seven years of waiting, Rwanda U-20 men’s handball team claimed their first ever regional title after defeating hosts Uganda in the final of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Africa Zone 5B Challenge tournament, yesterday.

The biennial tournament was staged at the Christian University in Mukono District, Uganda.  Rwanda fielded only the men’s team at the event which attracted best talents from all regional countries affiliated in Africa Zone 5B. They include Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, South Sudan and hosts Uganda.

Rwanda finished the four-day tournament as the only unbeaten team, and crowned their campaign with a 38-32 win against champions Uganda in a closely contested game.

Led by captain Jean Paul Muhawenayo, Rwanda won the first half 18-16 goals before returning to claim the second half. Viateur Rwamanywa netted the game high 11 goals to guide Rwanda to victory.

Following this triumph, Rwanda will represent Africa Zone 5B in the 2017 African Championships that will take place in March in Gabon.

Meanwhile in the women category, Uganda defeated Kenya 29-23 and will also represent the region in the women category at the continental showpiece.

In the previous 2014 event, Rwanda competed in the men and women categories, finishing third in both men and women categories, behind Uganda and Kenya.