The 29th edition of the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) Men’s Juniors Africa Championship kicked off in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali on Saturday, as fans enjoyed the eventful opening ceremony at the Bk Arena.
The tournament scheduled from the 20th to 27th August, will serve as a qualifying competition for the 2023 IHF Junior Men’s World Championship, taking place next summer in Germany and Greece from June 20 to July 2.
Inganzo Ngari ballet entertained Handball fans with a spectacular performance featuring African traditional dances during the opening ceremony held in Bk Arena on Saturday.
In his remarks, Rwanda Sports Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shema Maboko Didier recognized the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) for accepting Rwanda as a host country of this year’s Juniors and Youth Championship.
“I express our sincere gratitude for the trust the CAHB has shown when accepted that Rwanda will host the U-18 and U-20 Men African Handball Championships, that will qualify for the World Championships.”
“These Championships are added to other International competitions hosted and are contributing to our vision of having Rwanda as a Sport Hub and a destination for sporting events, under the leadership of our President, His Excellence Paul Kagame,” he added.
The CAHB President, Dr. Mansourou Aremou said that “This Championship will show the handball quality on the continent.”
Eight participating teams in U-20 Championship have been grouped in two pools.
Hosts Rwanda are placed in Group A alongside Tunisia, Morocco and Angola, whereas Group B consists of Egypt, Algeria, Congo Brazzaville and Libya.
Rwanda are facing Angola in the two sides’ first Group A opening match.
The preliminary group stage will occur over five match days (20, 21, 22, 24, 25 August) with the top two teams in each group, after the round-robin stage, going directly into the semi-finals and confirm their Germany and Greece ticket.
The bottom teams in each preliminary group will move into the 7-8 placement match, with 3rd placed teams competing for 5-6 position on the same day as the semi-finals, on 26th August.
The bronze and gold-medal matches will be played on Saturday, 27th August, 2022.
Organizers welcome spectators for a free entrance with proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination.
