Rwanda’s U-18 men’s national basketball team will launch its FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026 campaign against Senegal as the continental tournament gets underway in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The tournament, which brings together 12 African teams, started on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, and will run until August 16 at the Palais des Sports de Treichville.
Rwanda was drawn into Group C alongside Senegal, Cameroon and Tunisia, with the young Wasps set to play their opening match against Senegal on Thursday, August 6, at 7:00pm.
The team will then face Cameroon on Saturday, August 8, at 4:30pm before completing the group stage against Tunisia on Monday, August 10, at 4:30pm.
Rwanda heads into the tournament after winning the FIBA Africa Zone 5 U-18 Championship in Egypt, a result that secured their place at the continental finals.
The team in Côte d’Ivoire is coached by Mugabe Aristide, who was assistant coach during the Zone 5 qualifiers. He is supported by Ngandu Mbanze Bienvenue and Habumugisha Emmanuel.
Niyomugabo Munyandamutsa Sunny, who guided the team during the qualifiers, did not travel to Abidjan as he is currently preparing Patriots BBC for the domestic playoff campaign, which started on Wednesday at BK Arena.
The squad also features some changes from the Zone 5 championship team, with captain Sean Jeremaine Mwesigwa and Kabutura Cruz Ian missing from the continental tournament.
Mwesigwa could not join the team due to academic commitments in the United States, while Mugisha Omulindi Calvin has taken over the captaincy role.
The replacements include Ganza Hirwa Kelvin and Kabenga Manzi Enzo, who join Mohamed Keita, Bizimana Kayira Plamedie, Kazeneza Ishimwe David, Ndoba Mwimba Gabriel, Ngabonziza Hugor Victor, Aasim Mohamed Penge, Muhirwa Ngagi Alvin Joshua, Nshizimpumu Munyakazi Moise and Uwishema King Ariel.
Rwanda will be seeking a strong performance against some of Africa’s best youth basketball teams as it looks to build on its regional success and make a mark at the FIBA U18 AfroBasket 2026.
