Kenya’s Equity Handball Team has emerged victorious at the 2025 Genocide Memorial Handball Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda, after a captivating and hard-fought final.
The team secured a dramatic 28-26 win against defending champions Rwanda Police, showcasing their skill and determination on the court.
The final match was a tense affair from start to finish. Rwanda Police, fueled by a passionate home crowd and their status as titleholders, initially took the lead. However, Equity remained composed, responding with precise passes, a strong defensive line, and clinical finishing. The first half ended in a 13-13 tie, setting the stage for a nail-biting second half.
A setback occurred when Equity’s key defender, Prevoilor, was injured and forced to leave the game. Coach Peter Mwathi’s strategic substitutions proved crucial, maintaining the team’s momentum and defensive strength. “The tension was palpable, and the game could have gone either way,” Mwathi acknowledged. “Our strategy for the final seven minutes was to remain calm, slow down the pace, and draw fouls while in possession, which ultimately proved successful.”
As the clock ticked down, with Equity holding a narrow two-point lead, the atmosphere reached fever pitch. A pivotal moment arrived when Equity’s goalkeeper, Teddy Sidai, made a spectacular penalty save, denying Rwanda Police the chance to close the gap. This save effectively sealed the victory for Equity, sending their bench into jubilant celebrations. Sidai’s outstanding performance earned him the titles of Player of the Match and Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament. “We analyzed our previous loss to them in the group stage,” Sidai explained. “We identified their key players, adjusted our defense, and turned the tables. That penalty save was for my team.”
Equity’s journey to the championship was challenging, as they faced and defeated all of the region’s top teams, including Uganda’s UPDF, Tanzania’s Ngome HC, Rwanda’s APR, and Rwanda Police, avenging their earlier group-stage defeat.
In the semi-final, Equity delivered a dominant performance against APR. After falling behind early, the team rallied with exceptional defense and swift transitions, ultimately building a six-point lead by halftime. Left back Brian, who scored an impressive 10 goals, was named Player of the Match for the second consecutive game.
The final game held special significance for the team, as they dedicated their performance to teammate Kevin Obungha, who sustained an injury earlier in the tournament.
Further accolades were awarded to Equity players, with Morgan Simiyu recognized as Best Right Wing and Radzi Stower named Best Right Back of the tournament, highlighting the team’s overall quality and experience.
Equity Sports Coordinator Nick Ongeri commented, “We have consistently dominated the Kenya Premier League, but this victory on foreign soil, against the best teams in the region, is truly exceptional. It demonstrates our potential as continental contenders.”
Following their disappointment of missing out on the Kenya Premier League title earlier in the season, this triumph solidifies Equity’s position at the top. They have not only won the trophy but have also set a new standard for handball in East Africa. The Equity Handball Team returns home from Kigali as the undisputed champions of the region.