In Kigali – Rwanda, Uganda’s senior men’s handball team, the Nile Kings, are facing an early push over from the African Cup of Nations main round access after a punishing start to their Preliminary Group B campaign left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Back to back heavy defeats have put Uganda in serious trouble at a tournament that also serves as a qualifier for the IHF World Handball Championship.
The warning signs were evident in Wednesday’s opener against Angola. Uganda struggled to match Angola’s physicality and experience, trailing 15–11 at halftime before fading badly in the second half to suffer a 37–21 defeat.
Any moments of resistance were quickly swallowed up as Angola took full control of the contest.
There was hope for a response in Thursday’s clash against Gabon, but Uganda’s struggles continued.
Despite showing spirit and effort, the Nile Kings were overwhelmed early and went into the break 17–6 down.
A livelier second half followed, but the damage was already done as Gabon cruised to a 36–16 victory.
Those two losses have left Uganda on the brink of elimination. Group B also includes African giants Egypt, who have already qualified for the main round having beaten both Angola and Gabon, showing the scale of the challenge facing the Nile Kings.
Uganda’s final group match is now a must-win showdown against Egypt on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Petit Stade, with throw-off set for 16:00 EAT.
It is a daunting task against one of the continent’s strongest sides, and Uganda will need discipline, efficiency, belief and effort, to keep their campaign alive.
Incase of a loss, Uganda’s Nile Kings will compete in the President Cup which is more of a placement tournament and will see them face the third placed side in Group A on Sunday January 25.
Tournament structure
