Rwanda’s senior women’s national handball team defeated Tanzania 42-32 on Friday, 6 November, to finish first in Group B at the 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V in Kibaha, Tanzania.
The victory followed a 49-9 opening win over Djibouti on Thursday, giving Rwanda two wins from two matches. They completed the group stage with 91 goals scored and 41 conceded.
Rwanda will face Uganda in the semi-finals on Saturday, 7 November, while Kenya meet Tanzania in the other last-four fixture. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 8 November.
Niyingenera scores 10 against Tanzania
Rwanda established an eight-goal advantage against the hosts in the first half, reaching the interval with a 21-13 lead.
They added another 21 goals after the break, while Tanzania scored 19, completing a 10-goal victory.
Obadia Niyingenera led Rwanda’s scoring with 10 goals. Clementine Hungurimana contributed seven, Chantal Uwimana scored six and Solange Uwizeyimana added five.
Clesence Irakoze, Noelle Mwizerimana and Dancille Nyiranzigiye each scored three. Joy Ineza contributed two, while Esther Umutesi, Florence Uwineza and Valentine Uwase scored one apiece.
For Tanzania, Amina Dauda scored 10 goals and Zawadi Athumani added nine, according to the International Handball Federation’s official match statistics.
Rwanda complete unbeaten group campaign
Rwanda began their tournament against Djibouti on 5 November, taking a 25-3 half-time lead before scoring another 24 goals in the second half to win 49-9.
Tanzania had also beaten Djibouti, winning 54-14 in their opening fixture. Friday’s meeting between Rwanda and the hosts therefore determined first place in Group B.
In Group A, Kenya finished ahead of Uganda after winning their encounter 30-27. Kenya also defeated Ethiopia 41-6, while Uganda beat Ethiopia 45-18.
Date | Rwanda’s fixture | Stage |
|---|---|---|
5 November | Rwanda 49-9 Djibouti | Group B |
6 November | Rwanda 42-32 Tanzania | Group B |
7 November | Rwanda vs Uganda | Semi-final |
African championship qualification at stake
The six-team regional tournament runs from 4 to 8 November. Rwanda, Tanzania and Djibouti competed in Group B, with Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia in Group A.
The competition forms part of the IHF’s new senior Women’s Nations Trophy programme, which began holding regional tournaments in September 2026.
Under the African qualification structure, each zone’s winner earns a place at the African Women’s Handball Championship.
This year’s continental championship is scheduled to take place in Tunisia from 2 to 12 December.
