KAMPALA, May 21 -- Rwanda and Kenya are the winners of the 2024 Africa Zone 5 International Handball Federation Challenge Trophy that concluded here late on Sunday.

The Rwandan team, led by top scorer Honore Byiringiro, defeated hosts Uganda 32-27 in the final of the junior category (U-18).

"We are happy that as a team we have managed to win this regional trophy. We even almost pulled out of the event because of logistical issues as we started preparations late," said Byiringiro, who finished as the top scorer with 48 goals.

In the play-off, Ethiopia defeated Kenya 29-23 to finish third in the junior category.

Kenya were also in good form in the youth category (U-20) when they humbled Ethiopia 22-17.

The duo of Joseph Wafula Simiyu and Elias Khisa were outstanding for the Kenyan team. To reach the final, Kenya beat archrivals Uganda 22-16 at the semifinal stage.

Sheila Agonzibwa, chairperson of the Uganda Handball Federation said that they are glad Uganda successfully hosted the regional event.

"We have noted that the standards in the region have improved and our teams have what it takes to compete with other regions," she added.

The event attracted Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania and hosts Uganda. Two national teams, Djibouti and South Sudan, pulled out of the tournament because of financial challenges.

The winners Rwanda and Kenya automatically qualified for the 2024 Africa under-20 Handball Championships. The Confederation of African Handball is yet to announce the host country and dates of the continental showpiece.