Today

Group A Tanzania Vs Kenya 2pm Djibouti Vs Ethiopia 6pm

Group B Uganda Vs Rwanda 4pm Burundi Vs Somalia 8pm

RWANDA will embark on their Challenge Trophy title defence this afternoon in Kampala, taking on the hosts Uganda.

The two countries faced off in the 2016 edition’s final. Rwanda overcame the hosts in a closely contested encounter, 38-32, to win the biennial regional tournament for a historic first time.

This year’s competition kicks off today and will run through May 20 at Uganda Christian University in Mukuno.

Rwanda have been drawn in Group B alongside Burundi, Somalia, Sudan and hosts Uganda.

While talking to Times Sport in a telephone interview from Uganda, head coach Anaclet Bagirishya said the delegation had reached well and that players are in good shape and mood to put up a strong contest in quest to retain the championship.

"This tournament is very different and absolutely tougher than any other competition my players have ever been to before. We should avoid to be carried away by ambitions but rather focus on one game at a time. The boys are well prepared and have talent. We are here to reclaim the title,” he said.

In another Pool B match today, Burundi will be up against Somalia; in Group A, Tanzania will start their bid for title chase against Kenya in the first game of the day, before Djibouti and Ethiopia square off.

After the clash against Uganda, Bagirishya’s youngsters will be back in action on Wednesday against Sudan, before playing Burundi on Thursday and Somalia on Friday.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw