Rwanda advanced to the quarterfinals of the African Men’s Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunis after sweeping Gambia 3-0 (25-18, 25-21, 25-18) on Saturday. Rwanda were forced to go through the Round of 16 after finishing second in Group D. They suffered a 3-1 defeat to Cameroon in their final group match, allowing the group winners to advance directly to the quarterfinals. ALSO READ: Cameroon overturn Rwanda’s early lead to seal 3-1 victory Coach Frédéric Guérin retained the same starting six, with captain Wicklif Dusenge once again leading Rwanda’s attack. Outside hitter Yves Mutabazi contributed eight points, while Dusenge added seven as Rwanda took control early in the opening set and closed it out 25-18. Gambia responded by trying to contain Rwanda’s attacking threat, particularly by limiting Dusenge’s powerful spikes. The strategy worked for stretches, with the two sides locked at 14-14. Rwanda, however, gradually regained control. Dusenge produced a crucial spike to put his side ahead before two errors from Gambia, including attacks that went out of court, gave Rwanda a three-point advantage. Guérin’s side maintained its momentum to win the second set 25-21. Gambia struggled to address its weaknesses in the decisive third set, particularly from the service line. Rwanda capitalised on their opponents’ errors and continued to apply pressure. Dusenge remained at the heart of Rwanda’s attack, adding seven points in the third set to finish with 22 points for the match. His performance took his tournament tally to 83 points, making him the championship’s leading scorer at the time. Rwanda will now turn their attention to the quarterfinals as they continue their pursuit of a place in the final four.
