Rwanda U20 handball team was knocked out of the IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase following Saturday’s 32-28 semifinal loss to the United States at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina, Kosovo.

The African champions began the first period evenly matched with the US, but ultimately finished one goal shy with the US leading 14-13.

In the second period, François Xavier Ngarambe’s side struggled to reorganise defensively, giving the US an advantage to breakthrough and go on to win the semifinal battle after adding 18 goals to their first half score.

The US advanced to the final where they will face Uzbekistan. Meanwhile, Rwanda will return to action on Sunday, March 16, when they take on Bulgaria in the third-place match.