The men’s IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa took place from 2 to 6 November 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Nigeria and Rwanda, who won the youth and junior competitions respectively, booked their tickets to the Men’s IHF Trophy Intercontinental Phase, after securing the titles.
Six national teams took part in the youth (U18) competition: Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, Ethiopia, Zambia and Madagascar. After the preliminary stage, the four best sides progressed to the semi-final, in which Nigeria defeated Cameroon 44:33, and Guinea proved too strong for Ethiopia, 33:31.
In the bronze medal match on Wednesday, home team Ethiopia took a commanding win over Cameroon, 45:27. On the same day, Nigeria beat Guinea in the final (38:26) to win the Men’s IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa for the second straight time after 2022.
The junior (U20) tournament had a different format, as five participants – Rwanda, Congo, Guinea, Zimbabwe and Reunion – played a round-robin tournament. After defeating all their rivals, it was Rwanda who secured the title, while Congo finished second, and Reunion ranked third.
Rwanda needed a win on the last day to clinch the trophy and they did that in style, with a clear 35:24 win over Reunion, after they had a meagre three-goal lead at half-time.
The final day also saw the Prime Minister of Guinea, Mr Amadou Oury Bah, present in the arena, awarding the trophy to Nigeria for the IHF Trophy Continental Phase Africa – Youth , after the winners defeated Guinea, 38:26. The Ethiopia Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka Shashigo, was also present and held a speech.
“Ethiopia is working hard in sports and building a healthy, competitive and productive society. It is also working to establish the sport as a public base. It is working to host continental and international competitions by expanding sports infrastructure. For those who allowed Ethiopia to host this African youth handball competition, we have great respect. We will continue our support to the federation to increase the recognition of handball in Ethiopia,” said Shanka Shashigo. (End)