Rwanda defeated hosts Egypt on Wednesday to win the 2026 FIBA U18 Africa Zone V Championship in Cairo.

The young Rwandans clinched the biennial regional title with a 62-58 victory over Egypt in the final.

Egypt had earlier defeated Rwanda 80-71 in the group stage and entered the final unbeaten after a 77-55 win over South Sudan. Rwanda, meanwhile, secured their place in the final after edging Uganda 70-65 in a thrilling double-overtime semifinal.

By winning the Zone V title, Rwanda also secured automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA U18 AfroBasket Championship, scheduled for August 5-16 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.