The Uganda Rugby Cranes have won gold at the 2023 All Africa Games in Ghana.
The Rugby Cranes emerged as the only unbeaten men’s side, counting six wins from six games, and matching a feat earlier managed by their countrywomen, the Uganda Lady Cranes.
The 2022 Africa 7s champions started their account with a well-earned 14-00 win against Zimbabwe, before running a half-century of points by Tunisia to win 50-00.
Day two came with a police check as Botswana provided Uganda’s first reality check. They were the first side to lead Uganda at the game, going into halftime at 14-12.
The Cranes recollected and scored 12 unanswered points in the second half to win 24-14. The Cranes would later see off hosts Ghana, winning 22-05.
Day 3 started with aplomb, with the Cranes defeating Benin, 56-00. The subsequent game saw Ghana upsetting Botswana, and this confirmed Uganda’s firm hold of the Gold medal even before the last game was played.
The last game, even not holding any significance towards the position, held meaning for Coach Tolbert Onyango’s boys as it was against Kenya, the noisy neighbors.
The Cranes would race into a 21-07 lead with barely a minute to play but discipline saw the Cranes lose two players and the Kenyans capitalized for a losing bonus, and Uganda won 21-14.
“Kenya are our big brothers and good competitors. We lost to them about ten days ago (HSBC Challenger Series in Montevideo) and it was painful. Playing teams of Kenya’s caliber helps us organize ourselves,” said Rugby Cranes coach Tolbert Onyango in an interview with Kawowo Sports’ Ernest Akorebirungi.
Courtesy Photos
