Hungurimana Clementine scored seven goals as the women’s national handball team defeated hosts Tanzania 42-32 on Friday to secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy – Africa Zone V.
The victory at the Filbert Bayi Multi-Sports Centre in Kibaha, Tanzania, on November 6, completed a successful group-stage campaign for the Rwandan side, who finished with two wins from two matches in Group B.
The team made a strong start against the hosts, taking an eight-goal advantage into the break after leading 21-13 at half-time. They maintained their scoring momentum after the restart to finish the contest with a 10-goal margin.
Although Hungurimana earned the Player of the Match award, Niyingenera Obadia finished as the team’s leading scorer with 10 goals. Chantal Umwana and Uwizeyimana Solange added six and five goals respectively.
The individual recognition continued a positive run for the Rwandan players, with Ineza Joy having been named Player of the Match in their opening fixture, a commanding 49-9 victory over Djibouti on Thursday.
The result against Tanzania confirmed the team’s progress to the semi-finals, where they will meet Uganda on Saturday, November 7, at 4:30 p.m. Kigali time.
The meeting with Uganda will be a crucial test as the team pursue the tournament title and a place at the 2026 African Women’s Handball Championship in Tunisia.
The Zone V competition, running from November 4 to 8, offers its winners the opportunity to represent the region at the continental championship, which will take place from December 2 to 12.
The Zone V representative will join Group C alongside hosts Tunisia, Cameroon and Zambia.
