AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Loses 86-83 to Cameroon, Suffers Back-to-Back Defeats

By

-

February 22, 2025

Rabat, February 22— Rwanda suffered a narrow 86-83 defeat to Cameroon in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Window 3, extending their losing streak and leaving their qualification hopes hanging until the final game.

Rwanda, eager to secure AfroBasket 2025 qualification, faced an already qualified Cameroon but struggled in the paint—just as they did against Senegal—due to a lack of dominant big men.

Despite their difficulties attacking the rim, Rwanda relied heavily on three-point shooting, a strategy that worked well until the final moments.

Dr. Sarr’s team led for most of the game, but momentum shifted in the last two minutes after Ntore Habimana (17 PTS, 6 REB, 9 AST, 4 STL) fouled out.

Axel Mpoyo led Rwanda’s offense with 26 points, shooting 7-of-12 from behind the arc, as the team made 16-of-38 from three-point range. However, Cameroon’s resilience proved too much to overcome.

Rwanda’s loss was largely due to their failure to score any second-chance points, while Cameroon had 13.

They now face a must-win game against Gabon or must avoid losing by more than 27 points to qualify for AfroBasket 2025 in Angola.

Police Edge Kepler to Secure Top Spot in Rwanda Volleyball League Regular Season

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 22, 2025

The Rwanda National Police Volleyball Team stunned Kepler in a thrilling four-set match, securing the top spot in the Rwanda Volleyball League regular season standings with one game to spare.

The traditional Friday Volleyball Night at Petit Stade saw Police dominate Kepler, cementing their place at the summit of the regular season standings.

Heading into the match, Police needed to win just two sets against Kepler to guarantee first place.

Fred Musoni’s team got the job done in a thrilling battle, taking the first two sets 29-25 and 25-21. Kepler, led by Fidel Nyirimana, fought back to claim the third set 25-20.

In another closely contested set, Police edged Kepler 28-26 in the fourth, securing the victory and not only booking a playoff spot but also confirming their place as regular season leaders.

Police VC completed a double over Kepler in the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball League, having also won the first-leg encounter 3-1.

With only one loss this season, against APR, Police hold a 12-1 record and lead the standings with 35 points. APR sits in second place with 28 points and a game in hand over Police.

The battle for playoff spots is nearly settled, with Police, APR, and Kepler securing three of the four available slots.

REG is favored to secure the final playoff spot by beating KVC, which would end Gisagara’s hopes before their clash with APR today at Petit Stade.

AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Falls to Senegal

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 21, 2025

The Rwanda National Basketball Team suffered a 73-96 defeat to Senegal in the opening game of the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers (Window 3) in Rabat, Morocco.

Rabat, February 21—Rwanda began their AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers campaign with yet another setback, falling to a dominant Senegalese side.

Missing Center Salim Noah Bigirumwami, Rwanda struggled to contain Senegal’s big men in the paint, ultimately losing a battle that meant a lot for the Lions of Teranga.

The first quarter ended in a 13-13 tie, but Senegal seized control in the second, outscoring Rwanda 35-14 to take a commanding 48-27 lead at halftime.

Rwanda fought back in the third, winning 23-20, but Senegal sealed a 96-73 victory with a dominant 28-23 fourth quarter, securing their AfroBasket 2025 spot.

Senegalese guard J. Boissy, who plays in Rwanda’s league, led all scorers with 19 points, while Rwanda’s William Robeyns contributed 18, making 5 of 7 three-pointers.

Dr. Cheikh Sarr’s team was outmatched, shooting 31.4% to Senegal’s 45%. The Lions controlled the boards (58-41), converting 22 second-chance points to Rwanda’s 3. Additionally, Senegal outscored Rwanda 40-10 in the paint.

Rwanda’s bench contributed 23 points, but Senegal’s reserves outmatched them with 58.

The teams return to action tomorrow, February 22, at Salle Ibn Yassine. Rwanda will face Cameroon, while Senegal takes on Gabon.

Rayon Sports dominate Rutsiro to Advance to Peace Cup Quarterfinals.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 18, 2025

Rayon Sports’ two second-half goals secured a 4-1 aggregate victory over Rutsiro FC, sealing their spot in the Rwanda Peace Cup quarterfinals.

On Tuesday, February 18, Rayon Sports defeated Rutsiro 2-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium in the Round of 16 second-leg clash.

After a goalless first half, Omborenga Fitina broke the deadlock with a well-taken free kick, giving the Blues the lead. Aziz Bassane later doubled the advantage, sealing Rutsiro’s elimination from the tournament.

The 2-0 second-leg victory confirmed a 4-1 aggregate win, sending coach Robertinho’s side into the quarterfinals, where they await their next opponent.

Other teams advancing to the quarterfinals include Amagaju, who eliminated last year’s finalists Bugesera with a 2-1 aggregate win.

Mukura secured their spot by defeating Intare 2-0 on aggregate, while Gasogi advanced with a 3-1 victory over AS Muhanga.

Police FC, the reigning Peace Cup champions, will take on Nyanza on Wednesday at 1 PM, with Vision FC hosting AS Kigali at 3:30 PM and APR meeting Musanze at 6 PM—all at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

Gorilla FC will battle City Boys on Thursday.

Mamadou Sy’s injury-time goal rescued APR against AS Kigali.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 17, 2025

APR’s Mamadou Sy came off the bench to score an injury-time winner, as APR edged AS Kigali 2-1 on Sunday, February 16, closing the gap to three points behind leaders Rayon Sports.

APR dominated early, with Ugandans Dennis Omedi and Frank Kiwanuka causing problems for AS Kigali’s three-man defense. Despite APR’s pressure, the first half ended goalless.

Ouattara Djibril headed in Byiringiro’s cross to break the deadlock in the 67th minute. The citizens equalized in the 79th minute as Osee Iyabivuze’s shot deflected off Byiringiro.

In stoppage time, substitute Sy sealed the victory, sending the stadium into celebration.

Mamadou Sy’s goal kept APR just three points behind leaders Rayon Sports.

Ikipe yawe yicaye ku mwanya wa kangahe?#RwandaPremierLeague #RPL pic.twitter.com/dZZ0fJNnzL

— Rwanda Premier League (@RwandaLeague) February 16, 2025

APR now shifts focus to Mukura, while Rayon Sports prepares to face Amagaju.

Rayon Sports Deepen Kiyovu’s Woes

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 16, 2025

Rayon Sports defeated Kiyovu 2-1 on Rwanda Premier League Matchday 17, strengthening their lead at the top of the table while worsening Kiyovu’s struggles at the bottom of the standings.

Rayon Sports secured a 2-1 victory over Kiyovu on Saturday, February 15, at Kigali Pelé Stadium, returning to winning ways after a two-game slump.

After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Mukura and a 2-2 draw against Musanze, Robertinho’s side needed a strong response to maintain their position at the top of the standings.

Facing struggling Kiyovu, Fall Ngagne opened the scoring for the Blues in the 25th minute, finishing off a well-placed pass from captain Kevin Muhire. The goal marked the Senegalese striker’s 12th of the season, keeping him as the league’s top scorer.

Rayon Sports — Fall Ngagne tops the scoring chart.

Kiyovu responded 12 minutes later when Tansele Mosengo equalized, sending both teams into halftime level at 1-1.

In the second half, substitutes Abdoul Rahaman Rukundo and Hadji Iraguha combined effectively. Iraguha curled a right-footed shot inside the box in the 68th minute to restore Rayon Sports’ lead, which they defended until the final whistle.

Rayon Sports extended their lead to six points over APR, who have a game in hand. Rayon now have 40 points from 17 matches, while APR trail with 34.

Meanwhile, Kiyovu remains at the bottom of the table with just 12 points from 17 matches, deepening their relegation concerns.

Gikundiro will travel to Huye to face Amagaju on February 22, while Kiyovu will take on Gasogi on February 24.

Volleyball League: APR WVC Ends RRA’s Winning Streak.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 14, 2025

APR WVC ended Rwanda Revenue Authority’s (RRA) unbeaten run in the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a four-set victory, allowing Police WVC to take control of the league standings.

Armée Patriotique Rwandaise Women Volleyball Club (APR WVC) ended RRA’s impressive ten-game winning streak on February 14 at Petit Stade.

Coach Peter Kamasa’s side had lost to RRA in the first leg, but this rematch offered the perfect chance for revenge against the league’s only unbeaten team.

Missing their first-choice setter, Jennifer Tembo, RRA coach Elie Mutabazi relied on Denyse Uwingabire, but the team struggled to maintain the momentum they had built since the league’s kickoff on October 18.

The army team came out strong, winning the first two sets (25-18, 25-20) and putting RRA on the back foot.

The tax collectors battled to take the third set 28-26, but APR proved too strong, sealing the win with a 25-17 fourth set.

With this win, APR ties RRA at 28 points but trails on set ratio, while Police WVC tops the table with a 10-1 record and 30 points.

In another fixture, EAUR edged Kepler in a thrilling five-set encounter. The two university teams are battling for the fourth playoff spot, as the top three—Police, RRA, and APR—have already secured their places in the postseason.

Image credits: derio_images

CAVB Zone V Club Championship: 18 Teams Confirmed So Far.

By

Kenneth Lwanga

-

February 14, 2025

Eighteen volleyball teams from six countries, including defending champions Rwandan Police VC and Kenya Pipeline, have confirmed their participation in the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, set to take place in 12 days in Kampala, Uganda.

The highly anticipated tournament is scheduled for February 26 to March 4 at Lugogo Indoor Stadium in Kampala.

With registration still ongoing, Uganda leads the women’s competition with five teams: KCB Nkumba, VVC, KCCA, Ndejje Elites, and Sport-S.

Defending champions Kenya Pipeline, South Sudan’s Cobra, Rwanda Police, and Tanzania Prisons join them, bringing the women’s teams to nine.

Uganda also has a strong presence in the men’s category, with KAVC, Nemo Stars, Sport-S, and UCU Doves representing the host nation. Other confirmed teams include Burundi’s Rukinzo and Muzinga, Tanzania’s Jeshi Stars, South Sudan’s Cobra, and Rwandan Police VC, the reigning champions.

Although the CAVB Zone V Club Championship is meant to be an annual event, last year’s edition was skipped.

The previous tournament was held in November 2023 at Kigali’s BK Arena, where Kenya Pipeline dominated the women’s final on November 19, sweeping Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) in straight sets (25-20, 25-23, 25-18).

In the men’s competition, Rwandan Police VC rallied after losing the first set to defeat Uganda’s Sport-S 3-1 (20-25, 25-14, 25-21, 25-17).

Crispin Ntateteri and Rose Magoi won MVP honors for men and women, respectively.

CAVB Zone V comprises 11 countries, and with registration still open, the list of 18 confirmed teams is not final—more teams are expected to join the competition.

Volleytines Party and Playoff Battles: What to Expect This Friday Night.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 12, 2025

The local governing body for volleyball and national league regulator, FRVB, is hosting the thrilling Round 10 matches on Friday night, coinciding with Valentine’s Day in an event named “Volleytines.”

As the league enters its final four rounds, teams are battling for playoff slots, making this stage crucial for title contenders.

To enhance the experience for volleyball enthusiasts, FRVB is set to host special “Volleytines” parties at Petit Stade, creating a unique blend of sports and love.

Volleytines—a fusion of volleyball and Valentine’s Day—features an exciting lineup of matches.

In the women’s category, Rwanda Revenue Authority (RRA) will face off against APR, while Kepler takes on EAUR. In the men’s category, APR will battle REG, and KVC will challenge RP Ngoma at Petit Stade and NPC Gymnasium.

Speaking to FRVB’s communications officer, Amon B. Nuwamanya, he confirmed that the league schedule was not altered to align with Valentine’s Day but rather coincidentally falls on this special occasion.

“We have had volleyball games on Friday nights since the start of the season; we didn’t move our games to coincide with Valentine’s Day,” said Nuwamanya.

However, he hinted at special surprises for attendees: “We plan to make this Friday night special. An undisclosed artist, along with DJs, will entertain the volleyball lovers.”

On the women’s side, RRA—the only unbeaten team this season—looks to extend its dominance by handing defending champions APR their fourth loss of the campaign.

APR, coached by Peter Kamasa, has had a challenging season, losing twice to Police and once to RRA in the first leg.

The army team must respond on Friday to boost team morale and secure a favorable playoff position, as they have mathematically booked a place in the playoffs.

In the men’s category, the high-stakes clash between APR and REG is crucial, as both teams are still vying for playoff spots. Currently ranked third and fourth, they will be battling for crucial points to move closer to league leaders Police.

APR has an opportunity to claim second place if they overcome REG in this decisive encounter.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League has established itself as the premier Friday night sporting event, with Petit Stade becoming the home of volleyball action.

Volleytines tickets are available on Ticqet for 5,000 FRW, with an early bird price of 3,000 FRW.

Rwanda Names 13-Man Roster for AfroBasket Qualifiers Window 3.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

-

February 9, 2025

Rwanda’s men’s national basketball team head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr, has selected 13 players to begin training for the third window of the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

The roster features mostly local players, with only Noah Salim Bigirumwami and team captain Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba plying their trades abroad.

Bigirumwami and Ndizeye will join the team during camp, which begins on February 10, before they travel to Morocco for the competition.

Morocco will host the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers for Groups A and C in Rabat from February 21 to 23. Rwanda competes in Group C against Senegal, Cameroon, and Gabon.

In the previous round, which took place in Senegal as part of the second qualification window, Rwanda (1-2) finished third behind Senegal (3-0) and Cameroon (2-1).

Rwanda must secure a top-three finish in their group to qualify for the AfroBasket tournament, which will take place in Angola in August 2025.

Rwanda’s 13-Man Roster announced on Sunday : Antino Alvarezes Jackson, Ntore Habimana, Jean Jacques Wilson Nshobozwabyosenumukiza, Lars Licken Ishimwe, William Robeyns, Dieudonné Ndizeye Ndayisaba, Steven Hagumintwari, Axelle Mpoyo, Bruno Shema, Prince Muhizi, Cadeaux de Dieu Furaha, Osborn Shema, and Noah Salim Bigirumwami.

AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Loses 86-83 to Cameroon, Suffers Back-to-Back Defeats

Rabat, February 22— Rwanda suffered a narrow 86-83 defeat to Cameroon in the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers Window 3, extending their losing streak and leaving their qualification hopes hanging until the final game.

Police Edge Kepler to Secure Top Spot in Rwanda Volleyball League Regular Season

The Rwanda National Police Volleyball Team stunned Kepler in a thrilling four-set match, securing the top spot in the Rwanda Volleyball League regular season standings with one game to spare.

AfroBasket Qualifiers: Rwanda Falls to Senegal

The Rwanda National Basketball Team suffered a 73-96 defeat to Senegal in the opening game of the FIBA AfroBasket Qualifiers (Window 3) in Rabat, Morocco.

Rayon Sports dominate Rutsiro to Advance to Peace Cup Quarterfinals.

Rayon Sports’ two second-half goals secured a 4-1 aggregate victory over Rutsiro FC, sealing their spot in the Rwanda Peace Cup quarterfinals.

Mamadou Sy’s injury-time goal rescued APR against AS Kigali.

APR’s Mamadou Sy came off the bench to score an injury-time winner, as APR edged AS Kigali 2-1 on Sunday, February 16, closing the gap to three points behind leaders Rayon Sports.

Rayon Sports Deepen Kiyovu’s Woes

Rayon Sports defeated Kiyovu 2-1 on Rwanda Premier League Matchday 17, strengthening their lead at the top of the table while worsening Kiyovu’s struggles at the bottom of the standings.

Volleyball League: APR WVC Ends RRA’s Winning Streak.

APR WVC ended Rwanda Revenue Authority’s (RRA) unbeaten run in the 2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a four-set victory, allowing Police WVC to take control of the league standings.

CAVB Zone V Club Championship: 18 Teams Confirmed So Far.

Eighteen volleyball teams from six countries, including defending champions Rwandan Police VC and Kenya Pipeline, have confirmed their participation in the CAVB Zone V Club Championship, set to take place in 12 days in Kampala, Uganda.

Volleytines Party and Playoff Battles: What to Expect This Friday Night.

The local governing body for volleyball and national league regulator, FRVB, is hosting the thrilling Round 10 matches on Friday night, coinciding with Valentine’s Day in an event named “Volleytines.”

Rwanda Names 13-Man Roster for AfroBasket Qualifiers Window 3.

Rwanda’s men’s national basketball team head coach, Dr. Cheikh Sarr, has selected 13 players to begin training for the third window of the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 Qualifiers.

ABOUT US

FOLLOW US