Rwanda Energy Group (REG) endured a disappointing start to their 2026 African Men’s Volleyball Club Championship campaign, losing in straight sets to Cameroon’s Port Autonome de Douala (26-24, 25-23, 25-23) in their opening Group D match on Thursday. The defeat makes REG the first Rwandan side to lose at this year’s tournament. REG began brightly, matching their opponents point for point in a tightly contested first set. However, Port Autonome adjusted quickly, reading Coach Benon Mugisha’s tactics and edging ahead to take the set 26-24. Momentum swung firmly in favor of the Cameroonian side in the subsequent sets. REG struggled offensively after captain Thon Maker Madol was effectively contained, limiting their primary attacking option. Outside hitter Merci Gisubizo was also neutralized, further blunting the Rwandan side’s attacking edge. Despite staying competitive, REG failed to convert crucial points, dropping both the second and third sets by identical 25-23 margins. “We were unlucky today, but we have identified our weaknesses and will work to regain momentum going forward,” head coach Benon Mugisha said after the match. Other matches Elsewhere, Kenya’s General Service Unit secured a straight-sets victory over Atletico Clube do Mindelo (26-24, 25-13, 25-22), while Burundi’s Rukinzo fell in a thrilling five-set contest to Senegal’s Kalibi Sporting Club (25-20, 15-25, 25-18, 14-25, 15-13). In Group A, Uganda’s Nemostars opened with a 3-0 win against Petrojet Sporting Club (25-20, 25-22, 25-23), while Nigeria Customs Service also claimed a straight-sets victory over Litto Team Volleyball (25-20, 25-22, 25-18). Group B action saw Kenya’s Sport-S come from a set down to defeat Equity Bank in four sets (15-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-20). Rwanda’s Kepler VC impressed with a straight-sets win over AS INJS (25-20, 25-16, 25-21), while Egypt’s Al Ahly dominated Cameroon Sports (25-11, 25-16, 25-11). In Group C, Rwanda’s Police VC cruised past Tanzania’s Prisons VC in straight sets (25-15, 25-13, 25-17). Ghana Army also registered a 3-0 win over Wolaitta Sports Club (25-15, 25-23, 25-19), while Faith Union Sport stunned Kenya Port Authority (KPA) with a 3-1 victory (25-13, 16-25, 25-18, 25-22). Day 3 Fixtures (Friday, April 24) Group A Black Rhinos vs Petrojet (4pm) – Petit Stade Litto Team vs APR (8pm) – BK Arena Nemostars vs Nigeria Customs (6pm) – Petit Stade Group B Sport-S vs Kepler VC (8pm) – Petit Stade Al Ahly vs Equity (2pm) – Petit Stade Cameroon Sports vs AS INJS (12pm) – BK Arena Group C Ghana Army vs Prisons (2pm) – BK Arena Kenya Ports vs Wolaitta (10pm) – BK Arena Faith Union vs Police VC (6pm) – BK Arena Group D Atletico Clube vs Port Autonome (12pm) – Petit Stade Kalibi Sporting vs General Service (10am) – Petit Stade REG vs Rukinzo (4pm) – BK Arena
