Nile Queens avenge Kenya defeat to clinch Zone V handball title
Joyce Namutosi scored the decisive goal 74 seconds before the final whistle to seal Uganda's victory and avenge their 30-27 group-stage defeat to Kenya.
Uganda team captain Adokorach Brenda and Uganda Handball Federation President Fred Balenzi receive the IHF Zone V trophy from the Organisers of the Tournament. (Courtesy photo)
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Uganda's Nile Queens are the Women’s IHF Trophy Africa Zone V champions after edging rivals Kenya 29-28 in a dramatic final to qualify for the Africa Women's Senior Handball Championship in Tunisia.
Joyce Namutosi scored the decisive goal 74 seconds before the final whistle to seal Uganda's victory and avenge their 30-27 group-stage defeat to Kenya.
The Nile Queens had to overcome a determined Kenyan side in a closely contested final after recovering from their group-stage setback. Uganda's triumph capped a five-day tournament held from November 4 to 8, 2026, at the Filbert Bayi Multi-Sports Centre in Kibaha, Tanzania.
Uganda women's handball Team players celebrate winning the IHF Zone V women's handball Tournament in Tanzania. (Courtesy photo)
Oliver Tumusiime was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player after an outstanding performance for Uganda. Namutosi and Martha Lavender Muyekho led the scoring in the final with seven goals each, while Lillian Nakamya and Shakira Nakirya contributed five apiece.
Uganda's route to the title included a commanding 45-18 victory over Ethiopia in their opening group match, followed by the defeat to Kenya. They responded by knocking tournament favourites Rwanda out of the semi-finals with a 37-35 victory.
Six teams competed in the tournament, with Uganda, Kenya and Ethiopia in Group A, while Tanzania, Rwanda and Djibouti made up Group B. The top two teams from each group advanced to the semi-finals.
Uganda finished top of the competition, with Kenya second, Rwanda third, Tanzania fourth, Ethiopia fifth and Djibouti sixth.
Namutosi also finished as joint top scorer, sharing the award with Rwanda's Obadia Niyingenera after both scored 30 goals. Rwanda's Clementine Hungurimana followed with 29, while Tanzania's Zawadi Athumani scored 26.
Tanzania's Amina Dauda and Kenya's Muyekho completed the top six scorers with 25 goals each.