Rwanda will face Egypt in the semifinals of the 2026 African Women’s Nations Volleyball Championship in a crunch encounter at Kasarani Complex on Thursday. Rwanda are now one victory away from reaching their first-ever final in the history of the competition. The two sides renew a rivalry that last saw them meet at the 2023 edition in Cameroon, where Egypt swept Rwanda in straight sets. Three years later, Rwanda, now under French head coach Frédéric Guérin, will be hoping for a different outcome as they seek to make history by reaching the continental final for the first time. ALSO READ: Rwanda see off Ghana to storm African Volleyball Championship semis Times Sport looks at what to expect from this crucial semifinal. Head-to-head Since Rwanda first faced Egypt in 2017, the North African side has dominated their encounters. Egypt, three-time African champions whose most recent title came in 2003, have won all three meetings between the two sides. However, Rwanda have previously shown that they can challenge Egypt. During the 2019 All-Africa Games qualifiers, Rwanda managed to take a set off Egypt in a match they eventually lost 3-1. That history highlights the challenge facing Rwanda but also provides confidence that Egypt can be pushed when the two teams meet again. ALSO READ: Rwanda see off Ghana to storm African Volleyball Championship semis Which players could make the difference? Rwanda have scored 285 points across their five matches at the tournament so far. Opposite hitter Divine Nyirahabimana leads the team’s scoring with 60 points, while captain Valentine Munezero has contributed 55. Aloysie Tuyishime has added 42 points. Their performances will be crucial for Guérin, who is overseeing his first assignment with the Rwandan national team, as Rwanda look to overcome Egypt and secure a place in the final.
