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Rwanda upset South Africa to take the lead in African World Cup Qualification Group C

Rwanda

Rwanda pulled off a shock 2-0 win over South Africa in their second match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday at Huye Stadium, taking a commanding lead in Group C.

HUYE, November 21, Rwanda capitalised on poor defending to earn a 2-0 win against South Africa, breaking a 31-month win drought in any international competition match.

Amavubi got off to a shaky start, but in the 12th minute, Innocent Nshuti fought off a defender and slotted into the back of the net to break the deadlock.  And, 28 minutes after the kickoff, Gilbert Mugisha seized on a Bafana Bafana defensive blunder in the penalty area to double the lead.

Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana sought to speed up the game and create some offensive possibilities in the second half, however Ange Mutsinzi and Thierry Manzi stayed solid in front of Fiacre Ntwali to deny the opponent any opportunity to come back into the game.

Hence, a 2-0 triumph at full time sends the Huye stadium into ecstasy, as the Amavubi had never won a recognized FIFA international game at this venue before.

The win also put an end to the long run of winless games as Rwanda’s men’s National football team had not won an official match since March 2021 against Mozambique in the 2022 AFCON Qualifiers (1-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium)

The victory saw Rwanda move top of the Group C with four points, South Africa is second with three, Nigeria is third with two, Lesotho and Zimbabwe are fourth and fifth with two, and Benin at the bottom of the table with one point.

Torsten Frank Spittler’s team will hold the Group lead until June 2024 when the qualifiers resume. Rwanda’s next assignments will take them to Benin and Lesotho before hosting Nigeria in March 2025, undoubtedly at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium.

Nine African countries will qualify straight for the 48-team World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.  While a tenth team might make it through the playoffs.

Rwanda starting XI: Fiacre Ntwari, Fitina Ombolenga, Thierry Manzi, Ange Mutsinzi, Emmanuel Imanishimwe, Olivier Niyonzima, Djihad Bizimana, Kevin Muhire, Gilbert Mugisha, Innocent Nshuti and Lague Byiringiro.

Subs: Maxime Wenssens, Gad Muhawenayo, Claude Niyomugabo, Ally Serumogo, Abdul Rwatubyaye, Isaac Mitima, Patrick Sibomana, Hakim Sahabo, Jean Bosco Ruboneka, Bonheur Mugisha, Arthur Gitego, and Bienvenue Mugenzi.

South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Aubrey Maphosa Modiba, Siyanda Xulu, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Khuliso Mudau, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, and Mihlali Mayambela.

Subs: Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Nyiko Mobbie, Tapelo Xoki, Bradley Cross, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Jayden Adams, Oswin Reagan Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Elias Mokwana, and Zakhele Lepasa.

betPawa becomes title sponsor for Futsal Super League

KAMPALA, November 17, betPawa, a mobile sports gambling firm, has partnered with Futsal, the country’s booming indoor football game, to become the new Futsal Super League title sponsor

This is in addition to the agreement inked in September with the country’s football governing body, FUFA, which comprises a broader sponsorship of three football properties, including the Futsal competition. The betting company will be the title sponsor under this new sponsorship agreement.

Speaking on behalf of the Futsal Association of Uganda (FAU), the chairman of the association, Mr. Hamza Jjunju, expressed gratitude for having a new partner and revealed that the Women’s league is soon to be established.

“We are celebrating a huge day in the game of Futsal, a day that betPawa takes the naming rights of the Futsal Super League. It will now be called the BetPawa Futsal Super League “ FAU Chairman Hamza Jjunju

“We are pushing our clubs to have women teams as this year we are already in the process of setting up the Futsal Women Super League ” FAU Chairman revealed

Chairman Hamza Jjunju

According to Uganda’s governing body for football, the deal has the potential to help them to expand the game and make it compulsory from all parts of the nation, particularly in schools, as it enhances the skills and talents.

Mr. Justus Mugisha, The Vice-President of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations

“We want to make Futsal a must sport all over Uganda as we want all children in all schools to play this game as it helps our athletes better their skills” said Vice President Justus Mugisha

On the other hand, Ivy Igunduura, Country Marketing Manager at betPawa, stated that the collaboration intends to widen the vision for the growth of Futsal in Uganda. The manager claims that it will be accomplished by assisting in the broadening of the Futsal Association of Uganda’s brand identification among the sports personnel and all the beneficiaries of the game

Ivy Igunduura, Country Marketing Manager at betPawa

“As Uganda’s official football partner, our partnership with the Federation is focused on creating equal opportunities for both the well established leagues and the nascent ones, hence our being here today to unveil our plans for Futsal,”Igunduura said.

She added “We want to work closely with the Futsal community in Uganda, which includes fans and players, among others, to develop initiatives that promote the growth and development of this game in the country. One of the major positives from our engagement will be a direct benefit to the players through the betpawa Locker Room Bonus.”

With the overall agreement struck in September between betPawa and FUFA, 25% of the UGX 1.18 billion will be applied toward the betPawa Locker Room Bonus.

Every member of the winning side on the match list will get locker room bonuses, with each player earning 150,000 Ugandan Shillings via mobile money immediately after the game. And it is applied to all of the season’s games.

Prior to the league’s kickoff, all 16 teams will receive their kits from betPawa. In addition, the new league sponsor will honour the season’s top performers. Most valuable player of the season, top scorer, top assist provider, best goalkeeper, coach and young player of the season will be awarded by this sports gaming.

Sport-S upset Kepler in thriller match

Sport-S' Thon Makar tries to block his compatriot and Kepler attacker, Galdetbal Mangom

In a thrilling encounter of CAVB Zone V Club Championship matchday 2, Uganda Champions Sport-S claimed a four-set win over Kepler, handing them their second loss of the tournament.

 In a thrilling and intensely competitive match, the 2022/2023 Uganda Volleyball League champions showed great resilience and determination, securing a momentous victory against Rwanda’s top tier league new comers, Kepler, in a gripping four-set encounter. (18-25, 27-25, 36-34, 25-22)

This stunning victory not only signified a flying start, but also cleared the path for their progression to the knockout stage, as Kepler lost all of their group stage games.

Despite being drawn in a group of death, Fidel Nyirimana’s Kepler displayed good Volleyball. Having assembled a squad in recent weeks and facing a very strong team in Police and Sport-S in must-win games is not an easy task, but the future appears to be bright.

Benon Mugisha’s Sport-S, on the other hand, will take the court again tomorrow against Police VC for the group seedings

Matchday 2 Results

Women:

    • APR WVC 0-3 Police WVC (23-25, 13-25, 21-25)
    • KCCA 0-3 Pipeline (19-25, 15-25, 21-25)

Men:

    • APR 3-0 Amicale (25-18, 25-14, 31-29)
    • Kepler 1-3 Sport-S (25-18, 25-27, 34-36, 22-25)

Police WVC stun KCCA on the opening day of CAVB Zone V Club Championship

Police
Ainembabazi attacks the ball during the game against KCCA. | Courtesy

Police Women Volleyball Club debuted CAVB Zone V Club Championship on a high note as they upset the 2022/2023 Uganda Volleyball League champions KCCA in straight sets.

KIGALI, November 14 – The 2023 CAVB Zone V Club Championship served off in BK Arena and Rwanda’s Police caused the major sensation of day as they thumped the Uganda Volleyball league reigning champions KCCA 3-0 (26-24, 25-18, 25-15). Even though KCCA put up a fight through Margaret Namyalo, Police controlled the match from start to finish owing to powerful kills from Sharon Amito, Catherine Ainembabazi, and Aliane Nirere.

Police Women Volleyball Club, under the stewardship of Christian Hatumimana, placed third in their maiden Rwanda Volleyball National League season and won the Taxpayers Appreciation tournament two days ago.

To add to that, the Rwanda National Police Women’s team debuted in the CAVB Zone V Club Championship today, and they continue to inflict pain on anyone who stands in their way.

Catherine Ainembabazi and her teammates can build on their crucial success against Shilla Omuriwe Buyungo’s KCCA Women’s Volleyball team before taking on their rivals APR tomorrow.

Later in the afternoon, in the same category, RRA handily defeated APR WVC in three sets. As a reminder, the tax collectors destroyed the army team in the playoff finals earlier this month with the same results.

In the men’s division, Police overcame Kepler VC 3-1. The latter upset the cops last week in the Taxpayers Appreciation tourney, however Police VC has now imposed their superiority and routed them.

REG, with plenty of new signings defeated Amical from Burundi 3-0 in the final match of matchday one.

Matchday 1 results

Women:

    • Police WVC 3-0 KCCA (26-24, 25-18, 25-15)
    • RRA 3-0 APR (25-15, 25-20, 25-19)

 Men:

    • Police VC 3-1 Kepler (25-19, 20-25, 25-19, 25-21)
    • REG VC 3-0 Amical VC (25-17, 25-18, 25-15)

Matchday 2 continues tomorrow. In the women’s category, Police will face APR before Kenya’s Pipeline takes on KCCA. In the men’s division, APR will play against Amical, then later in the evening, Benon Mugisha will renew his rivalry with Fidel Nyirimana as Sport-S faces Kepler.

All the games are held in BK Arena

APR VC, Police WVC claimed the Taxpayers Appreciation Volleyball tourney titles

APR VC clinch the Taxpayers Appreciation Tourney | Courtesy

Armée Patriotique Rwandaise and Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club won the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the Taxpayers appreciation volleyball Championship held at BK Arena.

Kigali, The Rwandan army and Police teams won a two-day Taxpayers Appreciation Volleyball Tournament on Sunday at BK Arena.

The Rwanda Revenue Authority, along with the Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB), staged the third edition of the Taxpayers Appreciation volleyball competition, which drew nine teams, including five from the women’s division.

APR Volleyball Club defeated Police VC in the semi-final of this annual volleyball event, setting up a final against newcomers Kepler. The latter easily passed EACUR, another new top-tier league team.

In the women’s division, RRA volleyball Team upset Ruhango, while Police WVC defeated APR on a decider.

The women’s final was exciting, with Police winning the opening set 25-19 and RRA quickly regaining control with 25-21. Police WVC, on the other hand, claimed the third and fourth sets (25-19, 27-25) to secure the taxpayers appreciation trophy for the first time ever.

Police Women Volleyball Club | Courtesy

In the men’s final, the clash wasn’t that very close as APR won the first set 36-34. Kepler reacted and bounced back with two straight sets (25-16, and 25-21) before APR uses their maturity to force a decider. 25-23.

Kepler appeared to run out of energy in the fifth set, losing 15-13 as their opponents won the match in slightly more than two hours and twenty minutes. Despite this, both teams shown outstanding talents and perseverance.

The best players in all positions on the court, as well as the most valuable players in all categories, were honored during the trophy presentation event.

Men:

    • Winners: APR ( 2 M Rwf)
    • First runners-up: Kepler (1.5 M Rwf)
    • Second runners-up: Police (1 M Rwf)

Women

    • Winners: Police WVC (2 M Rwf)
    • First runners-up: RRA VC (1.5 M Rwf)
    • Second runners-up: APR WVC (1 M Rwf)

Individual Awards

Women:

    • Best Server: Iris Ndagijimana (RRA)
    • Best Receiver: Francoise Yankurije (RRA)
    • Best Setter: Lea Uwera (Police WVC)
    • Best Attacker: Catherine Ainambabazi (Police WVC)
    • Best Blocker: Sharon Amito (Police WVC)
    • Best Libero: Jacqueline Uwamaliya (Police WVC)
    • MVP: Catherine Ainambabazi (Police WVC)

Men:

    • Best Server: Romeo Ngabo (Kepler)
    • Best Receiver: Sam Niyonshima (APR VC)
    • Best Setter: Brian Melly (APR VC)
    • Best Attacker: Galdetbal Mangom (Kepler)
    • Best Blocker: Prince Kanamugire (APR VC)
    • Best Libero: Bernard Masabo (Kepler)
    • MVP: Venuste Gatsinzi (APR VC)

SC Simba and Robertinho have parted ways.

Following a humiliating defeat at the hands of their archrivals, Simba SC and Brazilian coach Roberto Oliveira have mutually consented to part ways.

Simba Sports Club has parted ways with their Brazilian tactician, Roberto Oliveira Goncalves do Carmo “Robertinho”, and terminated the contract of the team’s physical trainer, Corneille Hategekimana, two days after suffering a heavy defeat against the bitter rivals Young Africans in the Tanzania Premier League match.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi applauded Robertinho and Hategekimana’s efforts in a statement shared on social media on Tuesday.

“The management of Simba thanks the coaches for their contributions in our club and wishes them the best of luck in their new endeavors.”

Simba’s assistant coach, Daniel Cadena, will now lead the squad until a new head coach is appointed, according to the statement. Selemani Matola, a youth coach, will assist Cadena.

Robertinho joined the team on January 3, 2023, just days after leaving Uganda Premier League club Vipers SC on December 30, 2022. He formerly managed Gor Mahia in Kenya and Rayon Sports in Rwanda, among other east African clubs.

Kenya’s KPA beat REG WBBC to win the AWBL Group D Qualifiers

Kenya Ports Authority came out on top in the AWBL 2023 Qualifiers-Group D.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) have claimed the pole position in the concluded Africa Women Basketball League Qualifiers of Group D.

Kigali, November 4, KPA defeated REG WBBC 87-53 in the final game held at LDK Gymnasium to determine the East African queens.

KPA advanced to the finals after defeating Uganda’s JKL Lady Dolphins 74-53, while REG qualified by overcoming Equity Hawks 76-61 in the semifinals.

Rwanda Energy Group team lost only two games, both to Kenya’s KPA. In the group stage games, the Antony Ojukwu-led side defeated REG WBBC 72-42 to go up and lead the group.

KPA and REG will both represent East Africa (Zone V) in this year’s FIBA Africa Women Basketball League (AWBL), which will take place in Egypt in December.

The tournament best five; from left to the right, Betty Kalanga (REG), Odille Tetero (APR), Kamba Yoro Diakite (Gladiators), Victoria Reynolds (KPA), and Madina Okot (KPA). Photo: Innocent Shema

AWBL 2023 Qualifiers Group D Final Standings

  1. KPA
  2. REG WBBC
  3. Equity Bank Hawks
  4. JKL Lady Dolphins
  5. APR WBBC
  6. Gladiators
  7. Nile Legends
  8. Vijana Queens
  9. JKT

Chelsea Jennings’ clutch shot propels REG WBBC to a narrow win over JKL Lady Dolphins

Chelsea Jennings hit the game-winning shot against the JKL Lady Dolphins. | Photo: Innocent Shema

Chelsea Jennings scored 17 points, including the game-winning shot, to help REG upset JKL Lady Dolphins 66-65 and set up a quarter-final matchup with Gladiators in Africa Women Basketball League Qualifiers Group D

Kigali, November 1st, Rwanda Energy Group Women Basketball team came from 11 points down in the final 2 minutes of the game to secure a 66-65 victory over Uganda champions, avoiding APR in the quarter finals and setting up a Gladiators matchup.

Prior to the game, it was evident that if REG WBBC don’t defeat the JKL Lady Dolphins, they would face APR WBBC in the quarterfinals, as APR had already finished their group games in second place behind Kenya’s Equity Bank. And no one in the REG camp wanted to face APR, who comfortably thrashed them 4-1 in the recent Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs finals.

On the court, the Rwandan electricians led the first two quarters (13-09, 20-20) to take a four-point lead in the first half, but the Ugandan champions and three-time title holders, JKL Lady Dolphins, responded after the break, scoring 22 points to REG’s 11.

The Mandy Juruni team held the lead until the final two minutes of the game, when JKL led by 11 points (64-53)

The Turning Point

The final two minutes of the game were a nightmare for Ugandans, beginning with Mary Amaniyo’s defensive foul, drawn by Chelsea Jennings, who converted the free throws to reduce the gap to nine points.

It was followed by Shakirah Nanvubya’s turnover, and Juruni felt that the team was losing concentration, then asked a timeout.

Mireille Nyota made a two-point play in the paint after the timeout to make it 57-64 with 1:45 remaining.

Brenda Ekon, the 2023 NBL women’s top scorer, decided to go alone and attack the rim as JKL had a possession, but she couldn’t get past Nyota Mireille, and the latter set up a transition offense, but Imanishimwe defended Chelsea Jennings in one on one. Imanishimwe passed the ball to Nanvubya, who turned over the ball again.

Before the final minute, Esperance Mukaneza and Jacques Bahige asked a timeout to play their final strategies, which was followed by Nyota Mireille’s basket into the paint, to inspire REG BBC to a comeback. 59-64

JKL squandered another possession when 2023 NBL MVP Hope Akello tossed the ball to Nanvubya, open on the three-point line, but the point guard’s long shot failed, and Nyota Mireille grabbed a defensive rebound and hit a three-point shot to cut the deficit to two points. 62-64 with 40 seconds remaining.

Ritah Imanishimwe was awarded two free throws after drawing a foul on the next possession, but only one was converted.

Betty Kalanga fouled out with 30 seconds left on the clock, forcing Mukaneza to use her final timeout to find a three-point shot to level the game at 65. The experienced Mandy Juruni took the chance to bolster his defense behind the arc as well, which worked and forced Micomyiza to attack the rim, but Captain Flirsh was fully aware of her movements.

JKL Lady Dolphins had a chance to kill the game after Hayes’ foul in the final 15 seconds, however Shakirah Nanvubya had a night to forget as she missed both free throws.

With JKL’s tight defense on the three-point line, REG chose to employ Nyota Mireille’s height in the paint, and she didn’t disappoint. 64-65 with 10 seconds remaining.

The Basket was followed by Flavia Oketcho’s turnover and Chelsea Jennings made no mistake with a midrange shot to take the game, 66-65.

The Congolese center Mireille Nyota Muganza led REG to a hard-fought comeback, and Chelsea Jennings was the night’s hero, hitting a clutch jumper to seal a much-needed victory.

Muganza produced an outstanding performance for Esperance Mukaneza’s side, recording 22 points and 19 rebounds in 35 minutes spent on court. Chelsea Jennings followed suit with 17 points.

JKL’s leading scorer, Ekon Brenda netted 21 points

REG faces the Gladiators in a quarterfinal today, October 2, at 7 p.m., while The Dolphins take on APR at 5 p.m.

The Vijana Queens play KPA at 12, while the Nile Legends rub shoulders with Equity Bank in the other quarterfinal matchups.

The games take place at LDK Gymnasium

Africa Women Basketball League Qualifiers: Betty Kalanga poured in 27 as REG Women BBC swiftly routed the Nile Legends

Betty Kalanga scored a game-high 27 points to help REG WBBC defeat the Nile Legends.

Betty Kalanga scored 16 of her 27 points in the first half to help the Rwanda Energy Group Women Basketball Club roll to an easy 95-73 victory over the Nile Legends on Monday night, their second win in a row in the ongoing Africa Women Basketball League Qualifiers, Group D

Following an easy win over Tanzania’s JKT (89-38) in their first game, the Rwanda Energy Group squad scraped their way into the Africa Women Basketball League Qualifiers playoffs by defeating South Sudan’s Nile Legends in their second game.

The 2023 Rwanda Basketball League runners-up downed the South Sudanese behind a high performance from Kalanga. They outscored them 27-15 in the first quarter and never looked back.

In the second period, the electricians picked up where they left off, tallying 26 points, while the young South Sudanese improved and scored 20 points.

After the interval, REG continued to overwhelm Nile Legends, scoring 27 points to 21 for a 24-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Esperance Mukaneza’s team had a low score quarter of 15 points due to squad alterations and foul troubles for key players, while the young ladies from South Sudan raised their confidence and poured in 17 points.

Kalanga scored a game-high 27 points on 10 of 14 shooting from the field and 7 of 8 from the foul line. She also grabbed eight rebounds and had four assists.

Mireille Nyota Muganza, REG Women BBC Center, had a double double performance.

Mireille Nyota Muganza had a double-double with 17 points and 14 rebounds, while Chelsea Jennings added 17 points and dished out 5 assists before getting into foul trouble in last Quarter.

Rhoda Ruth Nagitta and Ajah Akuak both scored 17 points for the Nile Legends, while Brenda Kayaga finished with 15 points. Ajah Akuah led the squad with 10 rebounds.

Chelsea Jennings attempting to dribble past Ajah Akuak

The REG squad is back on the floor today, taking on Kenya’s KPA.

The games are being held at LDK Gymnasium.

Photos: Innocent SHEMA

Rwandan Derby ends in a goalless draw.

APR and Rayon Sports side played out to a goalless draw on Sunday, October 29 at KPS | Photo: IGIHE

APR FC held Rayon Sports to a 0-0 draw at Kigali Pele Stadium, in an intense and enthralling Rwanda Premier League high-profile match

Kigali, October 29, A prominent Rwanda Premier League encounter concludes in a goalless draw, leaving no one satisfied and completing APR’s four-game winless streak against their arch rivals.

A draw favors neither team, as Rayon Sports sit in seventh place with 13 points, while their opponent, and the host for this match, remains in second place behind Musanze FC, who beat AS Kigali to keep their pole position.

APR will face AS Kigali in their next match, while Rayon Sports will travel to Rubavu to face Etincelles FC.

Rwanda Premier League Matchday 9 Results

 

FRIDAY 29/10

Gorilla FC 2-3 Marines FC

Kiyovu Sports FC 6-1 Etoile de l’Est FC

SATURDAY 28/10

Bugesera FC 2-2 Amagaju FC

Mukura VS 1-0 Etincelles FC

Gasogi United 0-1 Police FC

SUNDAY 29/10

APR FC 0-0 Rayon Sports

Sunrise FC 1-2 Muhazi United

Musanze FC 1-0 AS Kigali FC