The U20 national handball team coach, Anaclet Bagirishya, says his team will be out to avoid defeat in their opening game at the forthcoming 2018 Challenge Trophy that runs from May 14-20 in Kampala, Uganda. 

The Rwanda Handball Federation last week appointed Bagirishya to replace Antoine Ntabanganyimana as the coach of the national handball team.

"We are ready to defend our title but it will be more difficult to do so this year,” he said. "African Handball Confederation has changed the format of the tournament and increased the number of participating teams from six to 10.”

Winning our opening match will be key to our campaign, Bagirishya said.

Besides the six countries under Zone B, this time round the tournament will also attract four Zone A nations, including Ethiopia, the defending champions in their own zone. 

"It will be a tougher challenge,” said the coach. 

Rwanda emerged champions of the last edition after winning all their matches to finish as the only unbeaten side out of seven countries in the contest.

The youthful Rwandan side overcame hosts Uganda in a tightly contested final.

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