The national handball team lost its first game at the African handball championships 27-52 to Cape Verde on Wednesday, January 17 in Cairo, Egypt.

Unfolding from January 17-27, the tournament is organised by the African Handball Confederation (CAHB), bringing together top handball playing nations in Africa.

ALSO READ: Bagirishya Optimistic Ahead of 2024 African Men’s Handball Champs

Rwanda is only making its debut at the continental handball competition where it was pooled in Group D alongside DR Congo, Zambia, and Cape Verde.

During Wednesday’s game, Cape Verde dominated Rwanda, winning the first half 24 to 13, before returning to finish the job in the second half and walk away with a 52-27 victory.

Rwanda’s top-scorers in the Cape Verde game include Emmanuel Kubwimana, Yves Kayijamahe, and Samuel Mbesutunguwe with four goals each, while Jean Paul Muhawenayo and Elyse Muhumure added three each.

Rwanda will play its second match with the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, January 19. Cape Verde will face Zambia in its next match.

The 26th edition of the CAHB African Men’s Championship serves as a qualification event not only for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but also for the 2025 World Men's Handball Championship.

Rwanda is targeting to reach the knock-out stages of the competition at least.