Rwanda’s U18 and U20 national handball teams have qualified for the 2026 African Junior Handball Championships after reaching the finals of the IHF Trophy Zone 5 tournament underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The regional competition has attracted teams from across East and Central Africa, including Burundi, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan, Somalia, Djibouti, and hosts Ethiopia.

Both Rwandan sides have enjoyed unbeaten runs since the tournament began on May 4. They secured their places in the finals after impressive semi-final victories on Thursday at the Arat Kilo Sport Education and Training Centre Indoor Hall.

In the U18 category, coach Anaclet Bagirishya’s team defeated Uganda 34-30 to advance to the final. Meanwhile, the U20 side, coached by Antoine Ntabanganyimana, produced a commanding performance to beat Kenya 41-33.

By reaching the finals, both teams also earned qualification for the 2026 African Handball Championships scheduled for September in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

Final Fixtures

U18: Rwanda vs Burundi

U20: Rwanda vs Ethiopia