Cameroon came from behind to beat Rwanda 3-1 (18-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19) in their third and final Group D match at the 2026 African Men’s Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunisia on Thursday. The match was crucial for French coach Frédéric Guérin, who was looking to guide Rwanda into the round of 16 unbeaten after a strong start to the tournament. Rwanda had won their opening two matches against Central African Republic and DR Congo, but faced a Cameroon side led by Patrick Ndaki, a coach familiar with several of Rwanda’s key players. Ndaki previously coached Rwanda captain Wicklif Dusenge at Kepler VC throughout last season and also worked with setter Crispin Ntanteteri during his time at Rwanda Energy Group (REG). That familiarity gave Cameroon valuable knowledge of Rwanda’s attacking options, particularly Dusenge, who had scored 45 points in the first two matches. ALSO READ: Rwanda edge DR Congo in African Volleyball champs thriller Guérin responded by starting two middle blockers, Prince Kanamugire and Emmy Twagirayezu, alongside Dusenge, Ntanteteri and other key players, hoping to strengthen Rwanda’s defence and limit Cameroon’s attacking threat. The plan worked in the opening set as Rwanda controlled the game and won 25-18, with Dusenge and his teammates putting Cameroon under pressure. Cameroon, however, adjusted in the second set and began neutralising Rwanda’s strongest attacking options. Dusenge was restricted to just three points, while Yves Mutabazi emerged as Rwanda’s leading scorer with six points at that stage. With Rwanda struggling to find consistent scoring options, Cameroon took advantage and levelled the match after winning the second set 25-21. The momentum continued to shift in Cameroon’s favour in the third set. Rwanda struggled to respond as Ndaki’s side dominated the exchanges and pulled away to win 25-23, moving within one set of victory. Guérin made changes in the fourth set, introducing opposite hitter Samuel Niyoshima and setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba in an attempt to change the momentum. Rwanda captain Dusenge continued to fight, finishing the match with 16 points, but Cameroon remained in control and closed out the set 25-19 to complete a 3-1 comeback victory.
