Debutants Rwanda won their first match ever in the CAHB African Men's Championship after finishing the group stages with a commendable 36-25 victory over Zambia at Cairo Indoor Stadium, Egypt on Sunday. Anaclet Bagirishya’s men were off their peak and had a stumbling start to the continental handball campaign, losing the first two fixtures to Group B rivals Cape Verde and DR Congo. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of DR Congo (38-20) on Friday, January 19. ALSO READ: Bagirishya Optimistic Ahead of 2024 African Men’s Handball Champs Against Zambia, Rwanda started the game well, dominating the first half with a 18-12. Zambia tried to narrow the lead in the second half but Rwanda managed to maintain the momentum, and took it with 18-13, hence taking home with a 36-25 victory. ALSO READ: Rwanda to compete in 2024 Africa Men's Handball champs Despite the win, Rwanda was not able to advance through the knockout stages after finishing third in Group A ahead of bottom-placed Zambia while Cape Verde and DR Congo progressed to the knockouts. This means that Rwanda and Zambia will have to meet 6 other teams from other groups that have not yet reached the 1/4 in the competition called President Cup'', which is played by teams that failed to qualify for knockout stages. ALSO READ: Rwanda targets knockout stage at Africa Handball The 26th edition of the CAHB African Men’s Championship serves as a qualification event not only for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games but also for the 2025 World Men's Handball Championship.
