Weekend sports: Handball crunch time, volleyball rematches, cycling

From a must-win showdown for the handball national team at the Africa Cup of Nations in Kigali, to the annual Heroes Cycling Cup on the roads, this weekend promises high-stakes action across multiple fronts. Here are the top sporting events you shouldn’t miss this weekend. Rwanda face must-win test at CAN Handball The men’s handball national team enters a critical phase of the 2026 Men’s Handball Africa Cup of Nations as they prepare to face Nigeria in their final Group A match on Saturday at 7pm The hosts opened their campaign on Wednesday with a victory over Zambia before falling to record champions Algeria on Thursday. The mixed start leaves coach Hafedh Zouabi’s side in need of nothing less than a win to keep their knockout-stage hopes alive. Rwanda is pooled in Group A alongside Algeria, Nigeria, and Zambia, with Nigeria leading the standings on four points after two unbeaten outings. A win on Saturday would lift Rwanda to four points, keeping them in contention for a top-three finish, depending on other results. ALSO READ: Algeria dominate Rwanda in second game However, qualification permutations remain tight. Algeria are favourites against winless Zambia, meaning Rwanda must not only win but also rely on goal difference and head-to-head scenarios to progress. Elsewhere at the championship, Group B also promises drama as Gabon take on Angola, who remain unbeaten so far. For Gabon, the encounter is a must-win affair if they are to escape the group stage, while Angola will be aiming to maintain momentum and secure early qualification. REG and Police renew rivalry at St Famille In volleyball, Rwanda Energy Group (REG) VC will once again host the weekend’s league fixtures at St Famille Gymnasium, hoping to turn home advantage into points. REG’s previous home game ended in disappointment after Police VC defeated them in four sets earlier this season. The two rivals meet again on Friday at 8:00 pm, in what promises to be an intense contest. Since the second round began, Police VC sat slightly ahead with seven points, despite both sides recording one win and one loss in that phase, setting the stage for a finely balanced rematch. ALSO READ: EAUR end Gisagara’s home dominance The volleyball action continues with a women’s fixture between APR WVC and East African University Rwanda (EAUR), before attention shifts to the men’s competition on Saturday. EAUR’s men will be seeking consistency after ending Gisagara VC’s home unbeaten run, as they line up against APR VC in another testing encounter. Heroes Cycling Cup returns with 157km challenge Cycling will take centre stage on Saturday as Rwanda marks Heroes Day with the annual Heroes Cycling Cup, bringing together elite, U23 and junior riders in both the men’s and women’s categories. Held under the theme “The courage and unity of Rwandans, the pillars of development,” the event will feature multiple race routes, with junior women covering an 85km course from Mayovu in Gicumbi District to Gasanze in Gasabo District. ALSO READ: Sempoma names six-man squad for Tour of Sharjah Elite women, U23 women and junior men will contest a 145km route starting in Nyirangarama, Rulindo District, and finishing in Gasanze, while elite and U23 men will tackle the longest challenge of the day, a 157km race beginning in Shyorongi, Rulindo District, and concluding in Gasanze. Defending champions Eric Nkundabera and Xaverine Nirere are expected to return to fight for their titles from the 2025 edition.

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Weekend sports: Handball crunch time, volleyball rematches, cycling