This year-end series offers exclusive coverage, highlighting the key moments that made headlines and left a lasting impact year in different sectors, such as sports, politics, business, culture, and economy and beyond.
We take a closer look at the events that defined each moment, significant achievements, challenges, and milestones that have been part of the collective memory of 2024.
Today, we bring you the most memorable and impactful local sports stories from Rwanda this year, sharing an insightful and engaging reflection on the year that was. Whether it's a moment of triumph, a breakthrough, or a turning point, IGIHE revisits the headlines that stood out and brought us together as a nation.
Amavubi's qualification for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN)
The Amavubi Stars qualified for the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025. The CECAFA Zone will be represented by four teams including Rwanda when the tournament takes place in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania in February 2025. CHAN is a tournament for national teams made up of locally-based players.
After losing the first leg 1-0 to Djibouti in October 2024, Rwanda returned a changed side to defeat the same side 3-1 in the return leg played at the Amahoro Stadium later the same month.
Cheered on by President Paul Kagame, the Amavubi took an early lead and kept hold of the game throughout the 90 minutes scoring two other goals and conceding one.
Frank Spittler, the Rwanda coach said his players had responded well after losing the first leg. 'I am happy about the way the players expressed themselves and we need to keep working hard,' he said.
Amahoro Stadium unveiled as Rwanda's premier sports venue
On July 1, 2024, President Paul Kagame officially inaugurated the newly refurbished Amahoro Stadium, a major milestone in Rwanda's sports development. The iconic stadium, had been under an extensive renovation that began in mid-2022, increasing its capacity from 25,000 to 45,000 seats.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by distinguished sports leaders, including Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The newly expanded Stadium is now one of the largest and most modern sporting venues in Africa. President Kagame emphasized the importance of such world-class infrastructure in supporting the growth of local talent and helping Rwanda and Africa tap into the global multi-billion-dollar sports industry.
He acknowledged the contributions of Rwandans in the renovation project and credited international football leaders, particularly Dr. Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, for their support in inspiring and backing the project.
In his remarks, Kagame stressed that the new facility would not only help Rwanda retain its best football talent but also create a platform for local athletes to thrive and compete internationally.
He encouraged young footballers to work hard and smart, pointing out that the stadium would help develop talent locally, reducing the need to seek opportunities abroad.
Dr. Motsepe also praised the refurbishment, calling Amahoro Stadium one of Africa's finest. He expressed excitement about the potential for Rwanda to host international teams and high-profile matches in the future.
CAF had already approved the stadium to host international games, ensuring its status as a key venue for African football.
The inauguration was followed by a friendly match between APR FC and Police FC, with APR FC's Gilbert Mugisha scoring the winning goal. The ceremony also featured President Kagame and Dr. Motsepe signing autographs for young fans, highlighting the stadium's role in inspiring the next generation of football stars.
Rwanda's AFCON qualification fell short by a whisker
Rwanda's national football team came agonizingly close to securing a spot in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament this year, falling just short by a whisker.
Their journey through the qualifiers was nothing short of remarkable, capturing the hearts of Rwandans and signaling the country's emergence as a rising football power on the continental stage.
The campaign began with immense excitement and anticipation as the team entered the qualifiers with high hopes. In their opening matches, Rwanda delivered good results that sent shockwaves across the region.
Throughout the games, powerful statements that Rwandan football had evolved and could now compete at the highest level were written. The team's defense was resolute, and their attacking play was sharp, providing fans with a glimpse of the bright future ahead for the sport in Rwanda.
A mixture of wins, draws and sometimes losses, the campaign was a hard-fought affair, one that left the team still very much in contention and out of contentions, sometimes in equal measure.
While some results were not ideal, the general performance showed that Rwanda could stand toe-to-toe with the continent's best. It was a reminder that Rwanda was no longer an underdog but a force to be reckoned with in African football.
As the qualification campaign drew closer to the end, the final matches ere a do-or-die moment. On the final match day, a win was the only chance Rwanda had to secure their qualification, and they delivered.
The team played with passion, focus, and skill, emerging with a commanding 2-0 victory against Nigeria. It was a performance that showcased the growth of the national team, with a display of unity and pride that captured the spirit of Rwandan football.
Despite the victory, qualification slipped through Rwanda's fingers, with results in other matches deciding their fate. The margin was slim, but what Rwanda had achieved was undeniable. Their journey in the qualifiers proved that they could compete with the continent's best, and it was an achievement that transcended the final results.
This near-miss has become one of the most significant moments in Rwandan sports this year. While Rwanda may not have qualified for AFCON, the journey itself ignited a renewed sense of pride and hope among the fans.
The team's resilience and performance have set a new standard for Rwandan football, and the future now looks brighter than ever. This journey, though it fell short of its ultimate goal, has proven that Rwanda is not just a participant in African footballâ€"it is a contender.
Rwanda hosts the 2024 African Basketball Championship (FIBA AfroBasket 2024 Women's Championship)
Rwanda successfully hosted the 2024 FIBA AfroBasket Women's Championship from July 15 to July 23, 2024, in Kigali, marking a significant milestone for the country's basketball development.
Teams from across the African continent competed in the tournament, and Rwanda's women's basketball team, the Gazelles, showed remarkable improvement, reaching the quarterfinals.
Rwanda's role as the host nation also increased its visibility in international basketball, drawing large crowds to the games.
The tournament provided a platform for the country's growing youth basketball programs and highlighted Rwanda's potential to become a hub for international sports events in the future.
Senegal ultimately won the championship, but Rwanda's hosting efforts were widely lauded.
Cyclist Joseph Areruya shines at international competitions
Areruya Joseph, one of Rwanda's top cyclists, continued to impress on the international cycling stage in 2024. In March, Areruya competed in the Tour du Rwanda, a key event in the African cycling calendar.
His performance helped secure him a podium finish, with Areruya finishing third overall in the race. His strong results helped boost Rwanda's reputation as an emerging cycling nation.
In April, he also participated in the Giro di Sicilia, a European cycling race, where he finished in the top 10, making him one of the most successful African cyclists in Europe at the time.
Areruya's achievements continue to inspire young Rwandan cyclists, and his consistent performances on the international scene underscore the growing prominence of Rwandan cycling.
Salima Mukansanga retires from international refereeing after 12 Years of land mark achievements
Celebrated trailblazing Rwandan referee Salima Mukansanga, this year announced her retirement from international refereeing at the age of 36, marking the end of a remarkable career that has seen her break barriers and inspire generations.
She will continue to officiate until her current license expires on December 31 but is shifting her focus towards the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, having attended several VAR courses.
Mukansanga's career spanned 12 years, beginning with her FIFA certification in 2012. She made history in 2022 by becoming the first woman to officiate a men's World Cup match, a groundbreaking achievement when she handled the France vs. Australia game in Qatar.
Her other notable achievements include officiating at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Women's AFCON, the Women's FIFA World Cup, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and the Women's CAF Champions League.
Mukansanga's achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport and she has become an inspiration to the young generation, especially women in football.
Fellow referee Sandrine Murangwa Usenga praised Mukansanga for her dedication, character, and work ethic, expressing confidence that Mukansanga will continue to inspire and mentor future referees.
Recognized as one of the BBC's 100 most influential women in the world in 2022, Mukansanga leaves behind a lasting legacy, having opened doors for many young women to pursue careers in sports, particularly refereeing.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/sports/article/2024-in-review-key-sports-moments-that-defined-the-year
