The match, held on Saturday night, September 13, 2025, at Cairo’s Hassan Mostafa Hall, saw Rwanda start strongly, taking the first set 25-20. However, Morocco responded by winning the second set 25-16.
The North African side carried their momentum into the third set, overpowering Rwanda 25-13. Rwanda bounced back in the fourth set, winning 25-21 to force a decisive fifth set. Morocco ultimately clinched the match with a 15-11 victory in the tie-break.
Rwanda will face Cameroon in their second Group B match on September 15, before closing their group stage against Kenya on September 17, 2025.
With over 1,000 riders, eight days of racing, and thousands of visitors expected, the Rwanda National Police has issued a detailed plan of road closures and alternative routes to help residents and motorists navigate the city.
{{Day 1 – Sunday, 21 September (9:00 AM – 5:15 PM)
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The main race route will run from BK Arena through Kimironko (Simba Supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga (Master Steel), back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Main Roundabout, back to Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.
Truck traffic will be diverted through the Special Economic Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, Nyabugogo and Giticyoni.
{{Day 2 – Monday, 22 September (9:30 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The route will start at BK Arena and pass through Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza, Gahanga Market, back to Sonatube, then to Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
Alternative routes remain the same as Day 1. Truck diversions will be through the Free Zone, Birembo, Kinyinya, Gasanze, Nyacyonga, Gatsata, and Nyabugogo.
{{Day 3 – Tuesday, 23 September (9:45 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The route will cover BK Arena, Kimironko (Simba supermarket), Rwahama, Chez Lando, Prince house, Sonatube, Nyanza and back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries (Kwa Mignone), Ombudsman and KCC.
Motorists can use Nyamata – Nyanza – Rebero – Gikondo – Rugunga – Biryogo – Downtown; or Kuri 12 – Kigali Parents – Kimironko Junction- Kimironko P/station – Nyabisindu – Gasabo District HQs – Former RDB – Gishushu – Golf – Kinamba – Yamaha – Downtown.
A third option runs from Kuri 12 through Giporoso, Kabeza, Niboye, Kicukiro Centre, Gatenga, Gikondo and Rugunga to CHUK – Downtown.
Trucks will follow the Special Economic Zone – Birembo – Kinyinya – Gasanze – Nyacyonga – Gatsata – Nyabugogo – Giticyoni route.
{{Day 4 – Wednesday, 24 September (8:00 AM – 5:15 PM)
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The race will start from KCC and pass through Gishushu, Chez Lando, Prince House, Sonatube, Nyanza, back to Sonatube, Rwandex, Kanogo, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and KCC. An additional circuit will include KCC – Gishushu – MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, the Golf area, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
The route will extend from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.
Motorists can divert via Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre or via Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre.
{{Day 6 – Friday, 26 September (7:00 AM – 4:45 PM)
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The race will follow the same course as Day 5, from KCC through Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman, and KCC.
Alternative roads remain Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre, or Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Yamaha – City Centre.
{{Day 7 – Saturday, 27 September (7:20 AM – 5:00 PM)
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Cyclists will follow the same route as the previous day, and motorists can continue using the same alternative roads.
{{Day 8 – Sunday, 28 September (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
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The final day will feature the most extensive course, starting from KCC to Gishushu, MTN, Mu kabuga ka Nyarutarama, Golf Circuit, SOS, MINAGRI, Ninzi, KABC, RIB, Sopetrade, Main Round about, Nyabugogo, Ruliba, Nervege, Kigali Pele Stadium, Tapi Rouge, Kimisagara, kwa Mutwe, ONATRACOM, Gitega, Main Round about, Sopetrade, Mediheal, Women Foundation Ministries, Ombudsman and back to KCC.
Alternative routes include:
* Ruliba – Mwendo – Rugendabari – Miduha Center – RP – Kanogo
* Giporoso – Prince House – Sonatube – Kanogo – Kinamba – Nyabugogo
* Giporoso – Chez Lando – Kimironko – Kibagabaga – Kagugu – Utexrwa – Kinamba – Nyabugogo
Light vehicles may also use Mukoto – Murambi – Masoro – Nyacyonga.
The Rwanda National Police has urged motorists to plan their journeys in advance and familiarise themselves with alternative routes to avoid delays. Officers will be on duty across the city to ensure smooth traffic flow and safety throughout the championships.
Jacqueline Nyirahabimana, who plays for Muhazi WFC, and Sandrine Mutuyimana, a player for Inyemera WFC and the Rwanda women’s national team, say they are often ridiculed over their bodies, with Jacqueline in particular targeted for having facial hair.
At many football pitches where Jacqueline plays, fans gather to cheer her on. Yet some spectators question her gender, claiming she is not a woman because she shaves her facial hair and has small breasts. For Sandrine, her speed and football skills, combined with a lean physique, also lead many to doubt that she is female.
In an interview with IGIHE, both players admitted that their appearance sometimes causes them embarrassment. They explained that constant remarks suggesting they are men make them feel uncomfortable, even though their passion for the game remains strong.
“People often ask me, Jacqueline, why don’t you have breasts, why do you have facial hair, why do you look like a boy? They wonder how I can play in women’s football. But I was born this way. It’s God who determines our bodies. No one can give themselves breasts. Everything comes from God, who created us,” Jacqueline said.
She added that while she ignores taunts during matches, she plays to inspire other girls with similar traits not to hide in shame.
“We live in a peaceful country where there is security everywhere. I no longer feel the shame I used to. People may stare at me daily, but I’ve accepted myself. I encourage others like me to also embrace who they are.”
Jacqueline recalled that the stigma began years ago when she attended Nyakiganda Secondary School in Nyagatare District, where both teachers and students often questioned her gender because of her appearance.
“I urge others like me to be confident, because people’s words cannot stop your progress. I also ask people to refrain from using hurtful language, calling someone a man when she is a girl. It’s deeply painful and should stop,” she said.
Sandrine explained that while fans’ stares do not disturb her during matches, she sometimes feels embarrassed off the field.
“What hurts is when I walk in public and see people staring, whispering that I don’t have breasts. It makes me feel bad because it’s not my fault. I am only 18 years old, and I believe they will come with time. There’s no reason to despair. To other girls like me, I say: don’t be ashamed of your bodies. We didn’t create ourselves.”
Both players appealed to the public to stop making derogatory remarks about girls with different physical traits. They encouraged young women with facial hair, deep voices, or other uncommon features to accept themselves and live confidently instead of hiding.
The squad, accompanied by coaching and support staff, checked into Radisson RED Hotel on Monday morning, September 8, 2025. They are set to train at Orlando Stadium ahead of Tuesday’s match.
Rwanda leads Group C with eight points, while Zimbabwe sits fourth with four points. The two sides last met at Huye Stadium in Rwanda, where they played out a 0-0 draw.
The fixture comes after a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, a result that complicates Rwanda’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
This edition marks a historic first for Africa, as the championship, held annually for 103 years, comes to the continent for the first time. The under-23 category is also debuting, with the inaugural winner set to make history.
The elite men’s road race will cover 267.5 km, with 5,475 metres of climbing, making it one of the toughest courses in recent championship history.
Historically, Spain’s Alejandro Valverde holds the record with seven world championship medals: one gold (2018), two silvers (2003, 2005), and four bronzes (2006, 2012, 2013, 2014). Three riders, Italy’s Alfredo Binda, Belgium’s Rik Van Steenbergen, and Spain’s Óscar Freire, have each won the title three times.
{{Riders and teams
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The event is expected to feature 1,000 riders from around the world. Confirmed stars include Tadej Pogačar (Slovenia), reigning world and Tour de France champion, and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (France), current women’s world champion.
Other riders to watch include Oscar Onley (UK), Remco Evenepoel (Belgium), Juan Ayuso (Spain), and Thymen Arensman (Netherlands).
Final team selections are still underway, as riders compete in other major events. This includes La Vuelta, which, for its 2025 edition, is a rare multi-country race passing through Italy, France, Andorra, and Spain. The competition at these events will play a key role in the final rider selections for the UCI championships.
{{Media, officials, and global audience
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The championship will involve 5,000 officials and commissaires. Around 15,000 visitors are expected in Rwanda over the eight days.
Media coverage is projected to include 700 accredited journalists from 124 countries and 80 TV channels, reaching a global audience of over 330 million cycling fans. Social media engagement is expected to exceed 7 million, with 1.5 million visitors anticipated on the UCI website.
{{Prime host
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Rwanda’s moderate climate (21°C–27°C), strong safety record, and world-class infrastructure make it an ideal host for international competitions. According to the World Economic Forum, Rwanda is the safest country in Africa and fifth globally.
Kigali was ranked the second-best city in Africa for living and investment by the Africa Report 2024. The country also ranks second in Africa for hosting international conferences (ICCA 2024).
Major events like Tour du Rwanda (UCI 2.1) and the Kigali International Peace Marathon have cemented Rwanda’s reputation for organising high-level sporting competitions.
Rwanda’s accessibility will make it easier for thousands of international riders, officials, and fans to attend the championships.
Kigali is served by major airlines, including RwandAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, Qatar Airways, Brussels Airlines, EgyptAir, and Turkish Airlines. Visitors from AU, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member countries enjoy visa-free entry, while facilitated visas are available for other travellers.
Shema who has been serving as the President of AS Kigali, secured the majority vote required from FERWAFA members. Of the 53 members, 51 cast their vote in favor by raising a card marked “YES,” while none voted “NO.” Alongside eight individuals on his team, he will lead the federation for the next four years.
Outgoing president Munyantwali Alphonse congratulated the new leadership, saying he had full confidence in their ability to take Rwandan football forward.
“When things are going well, we must acknowledge it. We thank the federation’s president-elect and those already chosen for their decision to advance football. This is not just a place you go to as if attending a service—it’s about making progress,” Munyantwali said.
“I am confident this ‘Dream Team’ will achieve great results. Shema’s team will make us proud and do even better than we did. Where we fell short, we apologize—it was never intentional,” he added.
Munyantwali also thanked the Head of State for his unwavering support to Rwandan football, as well as the Ministry of Sports and FIFA for their assistance.
Davis Ndayisenga, head of the FIFA Regional Development Office in Kigali, also expressed appreciation for the outgoing committee’s work.
Speaking on behalf of FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he welcomed Shema Fabrice and his new team, pledging continued collaboration on future projects.
In his inaugural speech, Shema emphasized unity and transformation, presenting his vision under the theme “One Vision, One Team.”
“What brings us together is football, but what gives us joy is victory. Today, I call for change, a movement. To achieve this, we must rally around a shared vision,” he said.
Presenting his vision, Shema Fabrice highlighted eight key pillars that will guide his leadership. He emphasized the importance of supporting youth football and ensuring its sustainable development, alongside greater investment in infrastructure to create a solid foundation for the sport.
He pledged to raise the standards of competitions while also giving stronger attention to the growth of women’s football.
Equally, Shema committed to building knowledge and professionalism among those involved in the game, and to strengthening governance structures while working towards greater financial independence for the federation.
He also underlined the need to enhance both national and international relations, ensuring that Rwandan football remains connected to global opportunities. Finally, he stressed that fans must be given a greater role and platform, as they are central to the growth and spirit of the sport.
He assured members that he and his team will serve with transparency, resilience, and in the collective interest of advancing Rwandan football.
{{FERWAFA’s newly elected Executive Committee}}
-* President: Shema Fabrice
-* First Vice President in charge of Administration and Finance: Gasarabwe Claudine
-* Second Vice President in charge of Technical Affairs: Mugisha Richard
-* Commissioner for Finance: Nshuti Thierry
-* Commissioner for Women’s Football: Nikita Gicanda Vervelde
-* Commissioner for Competitions: Niyitanga Désiré
-* Commissioner for Technical Affairs and Football Development: Kanamugire Fidèle
-* Commissioner for Legal Affairs and Governance: Ndengeyingoma Louise
-* Commissioner for Sports Medicine: Dr. Gatsinzi Herbert
Martinez was suspended after the first game of the playoff finals in the Women’s Basketball League. In his absence, REG WBBC won one game and lost another, leaving their rivals Kepler WBBC leading the best-of-five series 2–1.
Ahead of the fourth game, REG WBBC decided to recall Martinez, who now faces the task of guiding his team to victory on Wednesday evening to avoid falling too far behind.
The match is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. at Petit Stade, following the third-place playoff between APR WBBC and The Hoops, which tips off at 6:00 p.m.
REG WBBC are the defending champions, while Kepler WBBC are aiming to secure their first-ever league title.
The two are part of the 28-man provisional squad unveiled by Uganda’s head coach Paul Put, who will later trim the list ahead of the matches scheduled for September 5 and 8 at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Ssekiganda, a recent APR FC signing, operates as a defensive midfielder, while Omedi is a winger renowned for his pace and attacking runs down the flanks.
Their inclusion adds to the growing list of APR FC players representing their countries, which includes Rwandan internationals Ishimwe Pierre, Nduwayo Alex, Niyomugabo Claude, Fitina Omborenga, and Mugisha Gilbert, as well as Memel Dao, who has been called up for Burkina Faso.
Meanwhile, APR FC is intensifying its preparations for the 2025 CECAFA Kagame Cup, set to run from September 2 to 15 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The Huye-based club is seeking to strengthen its goalkeeping department following uncertainty over the future of Ugandan goalkeeper Nicolas Sebwato, whose contract has not yet been renewed.
Sebwato has also been linked with a potential move to APR FC, following concerns over the team’s goalkeeping weaknesses exposed during recent friendly matches.
Sources confirmed to IGIHE that Diouf has already agreed terms with Mukura VS and is expected to arrive in Kigali this Wednesday.
The Senegalese goalkeeper featured on Tuesday when his national team lost to Morocco on penalties, missing out on a place in the CHAN 2024 final.
So far, Diouf has played five matches and conceded only two goals — one against Congo Brazzaville and another against Morocco in the tournament which is being held in East Africa.
The competition will draw participants from around the world, with races across elite and under-23 divisions for both men and women.
Australia arrives well-prepared for the week-long event, fielding a mix of experienced stars and promising young riders across all categories.
{{Men’s elite team spotlight
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Australia’s men’s elite squad features some of the biggest names in world cycling, including Jai Hindley, Michael Matthews, and Luke Plapp.
Jai Hindley made history by winning the 2022 Giro d’Italia, becoming the first Australian to win the race and only the second Australian to win a Grand Tour. He also wore the yellow jersey as leader of the 2023 Tour de France for one stage.
Michael Matthews has claimed stage wins in all three Grand Tours—the Tour de France (4), Giro d’Italia (3), and Vuelta a España (3)—and won the green jersey at the 2017 Tour de France.
Luke Plapp, a multiple-time Australian National Champion, has won the road race three times (2022–2024) and the time trial four times (2021, 2024, 2025). He also earned a bronze medal in the men’s team pursuit at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
The rest of the men’s elite squad includes Chris Hamilton, Chris Harper, Callum Scotson, Michael Storer, and Jay Vine, all accomplished riders with international racing experience.
{{Women’s elite team spotlight
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Among the women, Amanda Spratt stands out as Australia’s leading rider. She is a three-time Australian National Road Race Champion and has won two medals at the UCI Road World Championships—a silver and a bronze—highlighting her long-standing success at the highest level of the sport.
Joining Spratt are Neve Bradbury, Brodie Chapman, Lauretta Hanson, Alexandra Manly, and Ruby Roseman-Gannon, all of whom bring strong performances in domestic and international competitions.
{{Under-23 teams
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Australia will also field competitive under-23 squads. The women’s U23 team includes Alli Anderson, Mackenzie Coupland, and Felicity Wilson-Haffenden, while the men’s side features Matthew Greenwood, Zac Marriage, Hamish McKenzie, and Jack Ward, all promising talents in the Australian cycling development pathway.
Most races will be held on a 15.1-kilometre circuit around Kimihurura, with riders completing between five and 15 laps depending on their category.
Australia will aim for strong performances across all events as the world’s top cyclists converge in Rwanda.
