The 2026 African Men’s Handball Championship opened on 21 January 2026 in Kigali, marking a historic first for both Rwanda and East Africa as host of the continent’s premier handball competition. The tournament, officially running 21–31 January, brings together 16 national teams competing not only for continental honours but also for qualification to the 2027 IHF World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.
Historic Opening and Early Matches
The opening ceremony was held at the BK Arena on 21 January, attended by government officials and sports dignitaries, including Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire, who praised the event’s potential to elevate handball across the region. “This championship is more than a tournament; it is a celebration of unity, sport and African talent,” said Alfred Twahirwa, president of the Rwandan Handball Federation.
In the tournament’s opening clash on 26 January, host nation Rwanda recorded a strong victory over Zambia, winning 30–19 in front of a raucous Kigali crowd, a result that electrified local fans and underscored the growing enthusiasm for the sport.
Competition Heats Up
Across the initial days of play, several headline clashes have already shaped the early story of the championship:
- Nigeria’s Golden Arrows began with an impressive 25–23 victory over seven‑time champions Algeria in Group A, showcasing tactical discipline and resilience.
- They followed up with a dominant 36–18 win against Zambia, securing early momentum in the group stage.
- In the main round at BK Arena, Nigeria’s campaign hit a snag with a 27–24 defeat to Angola, a result that intensifies the battle for a semi‑final spot and World Championship qualification.
Rwanda’s Campaign and Local Development
Despite the promising start and home advantage, Rwanda’s team faced challenges against traditional powerhouses. In a match against Algeria, the hosts were convincingly beaten 46–25, highlighting the gulf in experience between Rwanda and Africa’s elite teams.
Reflecting on the performance, Rwanda’s head coach Hafedh Zouabi emphasized the need for a stronger domestic league to better prepare players for the continental stage. “Our local league’s level is holding us back,” Zouabi remarked, urging structural improvements to develop future champions.
What’s Next
The championship continues through the end of January, with the semi‑finals scheduled for 29 January and the final on 31 January. The top five teams will book their places at the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship, raising the stakes for powerful squads like Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria as they vie for continental glory.
