The U-18 men’s national handball team has been drawn in a tough and tricky group B of the 18th edition of Men’s Junior African Nations Championship from September 1-10 in Bamako, Mali. The biennial continental event has attracted eight nations affiliated to the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) which also serves as a qualifying tournament for the World Junior Handball Championship. Rwanda which will be competing in the 10-day tournament for the first time will be the sole representatives of the East African region and the relatively new young team will have to work hard to impress at their debut. In group B, Rwanda will face defending and title record holders Egypt also ranked number one, third ranked and second title record holder Tunisia and eighth Ranked DR Congo. Currently Rwanda is ranked 20th on this list. “It is a tough group because we have been tied with the previous edition finalists Egypt and Tunisia, but we also have an exceptionally talented group of players. The fact that we started preparations early enough, gives us a good chance to do well in the tournament,” said national team head coach Sylvestre Mudaharishema. Group A has Algeria, Morocco, Guinea and Mali. Since the maiden edition of the event in 1980, Egypt is the most successful nation with a total of 16 medals (11 gold, three silver and two bronze) followed by Tunisia with 15 (three gold, seven silver and five bronze) while Algeria are third with 10 (two gold, four silver and four bronze). Group A has Algeria, Morocco, Guinea and Mali while the Group B includes Egypt, Tunisia, DRC and Rwanda. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
