Rwanda's males's sitting volleyball workforce has reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Sitting Volleyball Championship for the primary time within the nation's historical past after defeating hosts China in an exciting five-set playoff on Monday in Hangzhou.
Coached by Steven Ngabonziza, Rwanda secured their place on the world showpiece by ending runners-up on the 2025 African Sitting Volleyball Championship, incomes one in every of Africa's two qualification slots alongside continental giants Egypt.
After a troublesome begin to the match, which started on July 10, Rwanda responded with a resilient efficiency to edge China 3-2 (25-20, 21-25, 25-20, 18-25, 15-12) and guide a historic place within the final eight.
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Rwanda appeared heading in the right direction for defeat after falling 9-2 behind within the decisive fifth set. Nevertheless, Ngabonziza's aspect staged a exceptional comeback, profitable 13 of the ultimate 16 factors to finish a shocking 15-12 victory.
“For the primary time in historical past, Rwanda has reached the quarterfinals of the World Championships. We’ve got risen from fifteenth place, marking a historic achievement for our workforce and our nation,” Ngabonziza stated.
Rwanda will now face Kazakhstan within the quarterfinals as they proceed their bid for one more historic milestone.
In the meantime, Rwanda's ladies's workforce exited the title race after a straight-sets defeat to Ukraine. They completed the group stage with one win from 4 matches, beating Kenya 3-1 however dropping to Egypt, Ukraine and hosts China.
The ladies's workforce will now compete within the Ninth-Sixteenth classification matches.
