As the Men’s African Handball Cup of Nations tips off in Kigali on Wednesday, January 21, Gabon have set their sights on reaching at least the semifinals of the continental showpiece.

Gabon, who are drawn in Group B alongside Uganda, Angola, and record champions Egypt, were the first team to arrive in Rwanda ahead of the tournament. As part of their preparations, they played two friendly matches against the hosts, Rwanda, winning both encounters.

Prior to the start of their campaign, the Gabonese delegation was officially received by Gabon’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Sylver Aboubakar Minko, who underlined the importance of the team’s participation in the competition.

"It is an honor and a source of pride for our country,” Minko said. "The participation of our national handball team in the Africa Cup of Nations represents unity, national pride, and hope for the Gabonese community here in Rwanda.”

The ambassador also praised Rwanda for the warm reception and strong organisation of the tournament, noting that the Gabonese diaspora in the country—largely made up of students—is fully rallying behind the team. "This participation is another reason to unite our community around our national team,” he added.

‘We are here to compete’

Gabon have shown encouraging signs during their buildup in Kigali and arrive at the tournament confident and motivated. With solid preparation, government support, and a clear sense of national pride, the team is eager to make its mark on the continental stage.

"We began our training camp on December 29 and played three friendly matches against Rwanda and Cameroon,” Gabon captain Wora Dia Mamadou told Times Sport.

"Our specific goal is to pass the second stage of the competition. We take it one game at a time. The team spirit is strong—we encourage each other, and the staff and the nation stand behind us. We will give our all for Gabon,” he added.

While Mamadou struck a cautious tone regarding how far the team could progress, Gabon Handball Federation president Sylvain Florient Pangou Mbembo was more assertive, setting a minimum target of a semifinal finish.

"The goal is to reach at least the semi-finals,” Mbembo said. "The presentation of the national flag is a strong symbol of the responsibility our players carry for Gabon.”

Gabon will open their Group B campaign against Egypt on Wednesday at 12:00 PM, in what promises to be an early test of their ambitions in Kigali.