Cameroon got here from behind to beat Rwanda 3-1 (18-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19) of their third and remaining Group D match on the 2026 African Males’s Nations Volleyball Championship in Tunisia on Thursday.
The match was essential for French coach Frédéric Guérin, who was seeking to information Rwanda into the spherical of 16 unbeaten after a robust begin to the event.
Rwanda had received their opening two matches in opposition to Central African Republic and DR Congo, however confronted a Cameroon aspect led by Patrick Ndaki, a coach acquainted with a number of of Rwanda’s key gamers.
Ndaki beforehand coached Rwanda captain Wicklif Dusenge at Kepler VC all through final season and likewise labored with setter Crispin Ntanteteri throughout his time at Rwanda Vitality Group (REG).
That familiarity gave Cameroon useful information of Rwanda’s attacking choices, notably Dusenge, who had scored 45 factors within the first two matches.
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Guérin responded by beginning two center blockers, Prince Kanamugire and Emmy Twagirayezu, alongside Dusenge, Ntanteteri and different key gamers, hoping to strengthen Rwanda’s defence and restrict Cameroon’s attacking risk.
The plan labored within the opening set as Rwanda managed the sport and received 25-18, with Dusenge and his teammates placing Cameroon below strain.
Cameroon, nonetheless, adjusted within the second set and commenced neutralising Rwanda’s strongest attacking choices. Dusenge was restricted to simply three factors, whereas Yves Mutabazi emerged as Rwanda’s main scorer with six factors at that stage.
With Rwanda struggling to seek out constant scoring choices, Cameroon took benefit and levelled the match after successful the second set 25-21.
The momentum continued to shift in Cameroon’s favour within the third set. Rwanda struggled to reply as Ndaki’s aspect dominated the exchanges and pulled away to win 25-23, transferring inside one set of victory.
Guérin made modifications within the fourth set, introducing reverse hitter Samuel Niyoshima and setter Sylvestre Ndayisaba in an try to alter the momentum.
Rwanda captain Dusenge continued to combat, ending the match with 16 factors, however Cameroon remained in management and closed out the set 25-19 to finish a 3-1 comeback victory.
