Rwanda climbs 4 places in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

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October 25, 2024

Rwanda’s Amavubi moved four places up in the FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The recent rise of the Amavubi in FIFA rankings highlights their impressive performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Benin at Amahoro Stadium.

A remarkable comeback victory allowed Rwanda to recover from a previous 3-0 defeat, which could have negatively impacted their October rankings.

The Amavubi (Wasps) now have 1130.04 points, an increase from 1123.32 points they previously held. The 6.72 points gained from their double header against Benin helped them move up from 130th to 126th in the global standings.

Rwanda is currently ranked 36th on the continent and 6th among East African countries.

Morocco has retained its spot as Africa’s best football team in FIFA World Rankings. The Atlas Lions’ back-to-back victories over the Central African Republic earned them an additional 5.43 points, bringing their total to 1681.57, moving them up to 13th place in the world.

Following Morocco in Africa are Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Cameroon, Mali, and DR Congo, in that order.

DR Congo remains the leader in East Africa, ranked 157th globally, while Uganda follows at 87th in the world and 18th in Africa. Kenya is ranked 106th, Sudan 110th, and Tanzania 112th.

Burundi, which recently dismissed coach Etienne Ndayiragije, is currently ranked 139th in the FIFA world rankings Rankings .

There are no changes in the top six places globally, with reigning world champions Argentina still in the lead. France, Spain, England, Brazil, and Belgium round out the unchanged six.

Since Frank Torsten Spittler took charge, the Rwanda national team has shown significant improvement. They currently lead Group C in the 2026 World Cup African Qualifiers, and hopes of qualifying for the 2025 AFCON still stand.

The next FIFA World Rankings will be released on November 18, 2024.

APR teams begin title defense in exciting round 2 of the volleyball league.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 24, 2024

APR teams embark on their title defense in action-packed round 2 of the Rwanda volleyball league on this Friday, taking on high-flying Police volleyball teams in highly anticipated matches set to take place at Petit Stade.

APR volleyball teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will compete against Police teams in the opening matches of Round 2 to start their title defense against tough challengers.

The army teams missed the first round due to their participation in the Nyerere Cup in Tanzania, and they are eager to make a strong league start on Friday, October 25, against high-flying Police.

The APR vs. Police matchup is a fierce derby that has ignited passion among fans, especially in the women’s category. Last season’s nail-biting best-of-three playoff finals, where Police narrowly lost to APR, add an extra layer of intensity to this derby of security entities.

With Nyerere Cups in the trophy cabinet, the Kimihurura-based teams are gearing up to defend their league titles with renewed energy and the addition of new players. The women’s team will feature foreign players for the first time after depending on local talent for years.

Middle-blocker Sharon Amito, who moved from Police to APR this summer, will face her former club for the first time, bearing the pressure of her high-profile transfer.

Police WVC will rely on Catherine Ainembabazi, crucial in their victory over EAUR, as they aim to maintain their top position when they take on APR this Friday.

In the men’s category, the Sam Mulingye’s side, who finished fourth in the regular season, stunned the top-seeded REG in the semifinals and defeated Kepler to clinch the 2023-24 Rwanda Volleyball League title.

Meanwhile, Police, last season’s runners-up, have started this season strong, making their match against APR a highly anticipated clash.

APR’s setter Paul Akan and opposite Venuste Gatsinzi, who were key players last season, are expected to lead the team in an effort to disrupt Police’s momentum.

Having dominated REG last weekend, Police, under Fred Musoni, will look to maintain their form, with setter Crispin Ntateteri and newly signed Johara Koita anticipated to set the pace for the team against the reigning champions.

Police WVC will take on APR WVC at 5 p.m., followed by men’s match at 7 p.m. local time.

Tickets are available for a minimum fee of 5,000 RWF and can be purchased at ticqet.rw.

AS Kigali beat Vision FC 2-1 to climb to the top of the RPL table.

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Ground Sports

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October 22, 2024

AS Kigali triumphed 2-1 over Vision FC in the final match of Rwanda Premier League (RPL) match day 6, with Shaban Hussein and Osée Iyabivuze scoring to secure their spot at the top of the standings.

The Citizens celebrated a weighty victory in the RPL on October 21, securing all three points against Vision FC at Kigali Pelé Stadium.

The match began with veteran striker Shaban Hussein, known as “Chabalala”, opening the scoring in the 21^st minute with a fantastic goal. Seven minutes into the second half, Osée Iyabivuze extended the lead to 2-0 with a well-placed finish inside the box.

Vision responded by ramping up the pressure. In the 76^th minute, Ali Huzaf converted a penalty, narrowing the gap to 2-1 and keeping the pressure on AS Kigali’s defense.

As the match approached its conclusion, the fourth official added four minutes of stoppage time, during which Vision FC had several opportunities to equalize.

In a dramatic turn, AS Kigali’s Jean Bosco Akayezu made a stunning save, resulting in a red card and a second penalty for Vision, again taken by Huzaf. This time, however, Aimée Gael Cuzuzo came up big, saving the shot and preserving AS Kigali’s lead.

Related story: APR defeat Gasogi to claim the first win of 2024/25 league

The victory marked AS Kigali’s first time at the top of the league since January 28, 2023. They now lead the standings with 13 points, while Police FC trails closely behind with 12 points.

Rayon Sports and Gorilla FC share third and fourth positions, each with 11 points.

The RPL action will continue over the weekend, despite the national team’s double header against Djibouti in CHAN Qualifiers.

Gahunda y’umunsi wa 7 wa Rwanda Premier League.#RwandaPremierLeague #RPL2024_2025 #RPL pic.twitter.com/n9gvfAG646

— Rwanda Premier League (@RwandaLeague) October 22, 2024

APR defeat Gasogi to claim the first win of 2024/25 league

By

Ground Sports

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October 20, 2024

APR Football Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gasogi United in their Matchday 6 encounter of the Rwanda Premier League. The match started on Saturday and wrapped up on Sunday, with Lamine Bah scoring the crucial goal.

Sunday, October 20, at KPS, APR defeated Gasogi 1-0 in a league match that resumed after a 15-minute halt on Saturday due to severe weather conditions.

In Matchday 6 of the Rwanda Premier League, the action was eventful despite weather disruptions.

Initially scheduled for Saturday at Kigali Pelé Stadium, the APR vs. Gasogi match was halted after just 15 minutes due to adverse weather but resumed on Sunday from the 15th minute.

APR’s Mouhamed Lamine Bah netted the only goal of the match just before halftime, marking his first league goal in Rwanda.

Elsewhere, SC Kiyovu suffered a heavy 4-2 defeat to Marines at Umuganda. Ebenezel Niyigena scored twice, with Mubaraka Nizeyimana and Ndombe Vingile adding to the tally for Marines.

For Kiyovu, Olivier Twahirwa and Desire Mugisha found the net.

Musanze and Mukura battled to a 1-1 draw, with Anicet Muhire “Gasongo” putting Musanze ahead. However, Boateng Mensha equalized for Mukura in the dying moments, scoring his third goal in three straight league matches.

At Ngoma, Nicolas Kagaba led Muhazi to a 1-0 victory over Rutsiro, while Amagaju clinched a thrilling 3-2 win against Etincelles. Amagaju took an early lead thanks to captain Masudi Narcisse and Useni Kiza Seraphin, but Etincelles fought back in the second half with Kasapa and Sadjati goals before a late goal from Malanda Destin secured the win.

Rayon Sports continued their strong form with a 2-0 victory over Bugesera, thanks to goals from Senegalese Youssou Diagne and Fall Ngagne.

AS Kigali will lock horns with Vision FC on Monday, October 21 to conclude the Match day 6.

Following this matchday, the league will pause for APR, AS Kigali, Rayon Sports, and Police FC as the national team prepares for a double-header against Djibouti in the CHAN Qualifiers.

Volleyball League: Gisagara smash Kepler in straight sets.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 19, 2024

Gisagara VC launched the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a strong win, decisively defeating last season’s runners-up, Kepler, in a 3-0 match.

The 2024-25 Volleyball League got underway on Friday, October 18, and continued on Saturday at Petit Stade, and the opening day was not short of surprises.

Gisagara had a season to forget last year, finishing fifth and missing the playoffs. However, they made some good signings to strengthen their squad, allowing them to shock the last season’s playoff finalists to make a statement.

Under the guidance of legend Yakan Guma Laurence, the southern province-based club successfully convinced Ugandan Kathbart Malinga to play for them starting in the regular season. Additionally, the Gisagara district-owned club welcomed back Samuel Niyogisubizo.

Gisagara, led by Malinga, prevailed in straight sets (27-25, 25-22, 25-21), handing Fidel Nyirimana’s formidable team a painful opening day setback.

The other men’s game played saw EAUR beat IPRC Ngoma in four sets (24-26, 25-14, 25-20, and 25-17).

In the women’s category, both Ruhango and Police started the new season on a high note, easily defeating Wisdom and EAUR in straight sets.

The league will continue with a second round next weekend, starting with APR vs. Police on Friday.

Gisagara will return to the court on Saturday, October 26, facing EAUR. Kepler and KVC will compete against each other on the same day.

Police Volleyball Club summarizes REG in the 2024/2025 league opening game.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 18, 2024

Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club outperformed REG in a straight-sets match that lasted 1:09:11 to mark a stylish start to the 2024/2025 league.

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball League started today, October 18, at the Amahoro Indoor Stadium, with an exciting opening day attended by the Minister of Sports, Mr. Richard Nyirishema.

The first men’s game featured what was expected to be a thrilling clash between Police Volleyball Club and REG, last season’s third and fourth-place teams. However, it turned out to be a one-sided affair, with the Police dominating and winning in straights.

Police Volleyball Club stunned REG in style, even with their first-choice setter Crispin Ntanteteri and new signing from Gambia, Jahara Koita, sitting on bench for the most of the match.

Police, led by second-choice setter Emmanuel Mugisha “Manu,” delivered and proved their depth and strength.

Fred Musoni’s Police Volleyball Club dominated REG with a convincing victory, winning in straight sets: 25-19, 25-14, and 25-11. This game concluded in 1 hour, 9 minutes, and 11 seconds.

Before the Police vs. REG clash, RRA welcomed Kepler in the top-flight league and beat them 3-0 in a game that differs significantly from men’s.

Despite the loss, Florien Siborurema’s Kepler played competitively and promised a strong debut season ahead. RRA, under Elie Mutabazi, triumphed with set scores of 25-22, 25-21, and 25-22 in a closely contested encounter.

The volleyball league continues tomorrow at Petit Stade, with the day’s marquee matchup between Kepler and Gisagara at 5 p.m.

The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19.

By

Ground Sports

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October 18, 2024

The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19, with match day 6, the board confirms.

The Rwanda Premier League (RPL) board and club representatives met on October 15 and agreed to resume matches despite the national team’s busy schedule.

The national team has been involved in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, and the CHAN qualifiers begin in just eight days, which requires significant preparation time.

Given the national team’s tight schedule, which includes away matches, there was uncertainty about how to proceed without frequent postponements.

However, under the leadership of Youssouf Mudaheranwa, the board and clubs decided to continue league matches while allowing players called up to the national team to join five days before the national team fixture.

The league paused on September 30 after match day 5, but APR has only played one match due to their international obligations.

Match day 6 of the Rwanda Premier League will kick off on Saturday, October 19, 3 p.m. with enticing fixtures including Rayon Sports vs. Bugesera and APR vs. Gasogi among the highlights of the weekend.

After match day 6, players selected for the national team will begin preparations for the CHAN Qualifiers match against Djibouti, scheduled between October 25 and 27.

Here’s the full schedule for Match Day 6:

October 19, 3 p.m.

Etincelles vs Amagaju at Umuganda

Muhazi United vs Rutsiro at Ngoma

Musanze vs Mukura VS at Ubworoherane

Rayon Sports vs Bugesera at KPS

7 p.m.

APR vs Gasogi United at KPS

October 20, 3 p.m.

Marines vs Kiyovu at Umuganda

Police vs Gorilla at KPS

October 21, 3.p.m

AS Kigali vs Vision at KPS

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League serves off this Friday.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 17, 2024

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League will begin on Friday, October 18, with an intriguing match between REG VC and Police VC at Petit Stade.

The wait is over as the new volleyball season spikes off in style.Teams have bolstered their rosters, referees have been re-instructed, and with modern venues available, fans are eager for an exciting showdown to see who can dethrone the Army teams.

The Rwanda Volleyball Federation (FRVB) revealed that the regular season will be split into two parts of six rounds each, and run between October 18 and March 1, 2025.

Seven teams in the men’s category will be playing two games each round (weekend), with most of the games taking place in Kigali. RP-IPRC Musanze and Kirehe VB are nowhere to be seen in the fixtures.

In the women’s category, Kepler, under the stewardship of Florien Siborurema, will be competing in their maiden season, following a second-place finish for their men’s team in its inaugural season.

RP-IPRC Huye Women’s team will return to the top-flight league following a season of absence. Along with other newcomers Kepler and Wisdom, they will complete the eight teams in the women’s category.

Last season’s playoff finalists, Kepler and Police VC, who finished third, will battle in what promises to be a thrilling league opener at 8 p.m. Prior to this clash, at 6 p.m., the debutants, Kepler Women VC, will take on the former champions, RRA.

The opening rounds in both men’s and women’s categories will take place this Friday, October 18, at Amahoro Indoor Stadium “Petit Stade”.

The Rwanda Volleyball National League reigning champions, APR, in both categories will not start their title defense this weekend, as they are away in Tanzania, where they proudly represented the country and emerged victorious.

2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Rwanda came from behind to beat Benin at Amahoro.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 15, 2024

Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Benin 2-1 in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, marking their first win at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium.

Rwanda trailed 1-0 at halftime after Edwin Hountondji’s goal. Coach Torsten Spittler’s substitution of Bosco Ruboneka for Jojea Kwizera created space for Captain Bizimana and the team, leading to a successful comeback.

In the second half, Rwanda dominated possession, and in the 70th minute, a long pass from Djihadi Bizimana found Emmanuel Imanishimwe in the box, who assisted Innocent Nshuti to equalize with a well-placed shot.

A minute later, Djihadi Bizimana, who was arguably the man of the match, was fouled in the box and confidently converted the penelty to complete the comeback.

This victory not only breaks a 13-year winless streak against Benin but also revitalizes Rwanda’s hopes in this campaign as it comes in response to a 3-0 defeat to the same opponent four days ago.

The last time Rwanda defeated Benin was October 2011, when Meddie Kagere scored a lone goal on his international debut to secure a 1-0 victory in the 2012 AFCON Qualifiers match held in Cotonou.

With 5 points, Rwanda now sits two points behind leaders Nigeria and one point behind Benin, while maintaining a four-point cushion above Libya, who are at the bottom of the group.

Rwanda’s next challenge will be against Libya on November 14 at Amahoro Stadium, before playing the group D final game away in Nigeria.

2024 RBL Playoffs MVP Isaiah Jaleel Miller signs with an NBA franchise.

By

Evode Munyeshuri

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October 14, 2024

Former APR BBC guard and 2024 Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals MVP Isaiah Jaleel Miller joined the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, bringing the franchise’s offseason roster to 21 players.

On Sunday, October 13, the Texas-based franchise signed Rwanda’s current Most Valuable Player after waiving Ghanian Nathan Mensah.

The release of the 26-year-old Ghanian center has left Spurs with a trimmed offseason roster of 20 players, prompting them to sign another 26-year-old to bring the roster back to 21.

Isaiah Jaleel Miller joins the five-time NBA champions after a three-month short stint with Rwanda’s champions, where he led the army team to back-to-back league titles and crowned the playoffs MVP.

Miller averaged 20.4 points, 3.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in the recently concluded Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals.

He Also scored a game-high 43 points against REG BBC, helping his APR team clinch the inaugural Rwanda Cup.

Having previously signed three training camp contracts with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and Portland Trail Blazers, the fast-paced guard born in Covington is no stranger to this situation.

Isaiah Jaleel Miller will need to work hard to secure a spot on the 15-man roster for the franchise’s NBA season.

Before signing Miller, the Spurs had one two-way slot open and three players on training camp contracts.

The 2024 APR leading scorer faces a significant challenge in making the final roster, as the Spurs have other point guards, including the seasoned Chris Paul. However, he can still join the Austin Spurs in the G League on a two-way contract if he’s waived by the Spurs.

Miller will wear jersey number 23 as he joins a franchise that boasts a rich history, including the 2014 NBA Championship.

San Antonio is home to rising star Victor Wembanyama.

Rwanda climbs 4 places in the latest FIFA World Rankings.

Rwanda’s Amavubi moved four places up in the FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

APR teams begin title defense in exciting round 2 of the volleyball league.

APR teams embark on their title defense in action-packed round 2 of the Rwanda volleyball league on this Friday, taking on high-flying Police volleyball teams in highly anticipated matches set to take place at Petit Stade.

AS Kigali beat Vision FC 2-1 to climb to the top of the RPL table.

AS Kigali triumphed 2-1 over Vision FC in the final match of Rwanda Premier League (RPL) match day 6, with Shaban Hussein and Osée Iyabivuze scoring to secure their spot at the top of the standings.

APR defeat Gasogi to claim the first win of 2024/25 league

APR Football Club secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Gasogi United in their Matchday 6 encounter of the Rwanda Premier League. The match started on Saturday and wrapped up on Sunday, with Lamine Bah scoring the crucial goal.

Volleyball League: Gisagara smash Kepler in straight sets.

Gisagara VC launched the 2024-25 Rwanda Volleyball National League with a strong win, decisively defeating last season’s runners-up, Kepler, in a 3-0 match.

Police Volleyball Club summarizes REG in the 2024/2025 league opening game.

Rwanda National Police Volleyball Club outperformed REG in a straight-sets match that lasted 1:09:11 to mark a stylish start to the 2024/2025 league.

The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19.

The Rwanda Premier League will resume on Saturday, October 19, with match day 6, the board confirms.

Here’s the full schedule for Match Day 6:

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League serves off this Friday.

The 2024/2025 Rwanda Volleyball National League will begin on Friday, October 18, with an intriguing match between REG VC and Police VC at Petit Stade.

2025 AFCON Qualifiers: Rwanda came from behind to beat Benin at Amahoro.

Rwanda’s national football team, Amavubi, staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Benin 2-1 in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers, marking their first win at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium.

2024 RBL Playoffs MVP Isaiah Jaleel Miller signs with an NBA franchise.

Former APR BBC guard and 2024 Rwanda Basketball League Playoffs Finals MVP Isaiah Jaleel Miller joined the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, bringing the franchise’s offseason roster to 21 players.

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