The 2024 Thomas and Uber Cup started on Monday in Cairo, Egypt, with eight African nations vying for badminton glory. The tournament runs until February 18th, with exciting matches already underway.
Uganda’s female team got off to a flying start, securing a thrilling 4-1 victory over Nigeria in a Group B clash.
Fans held their breath as Husina Kobugabe battled through a marathon singles match against Uchechukwu Deborah Ukeh, eventually winning 18-21, 21-19, 21-15 in an hour-long duel.
Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi also dominated her singles match, defeating Christiana Olajumoke Obasanmi 21-5, 21-7 in just 24 minutes.
Gladys Mbabazi went on to defeat Nigeria’s Sofiat Arinola Obanishola (21-15, 15-21, 21-16) before Fadilah Shamika Mohamed Rafi and Tracy Naluwooza‘s win (21-19, 21-16) against Nigeria’s Uchechukwu Deborah Ukeh and Ramatu Yakubu, in the women’s doubles.
The only loss (12-21, 20-22) was in the team event when Husina Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi were against Nigeria’s Dorcas Ajoke Adesoka and Sofiat Arinola Obanishola.
Men’s Category
On the men’s side, it was a bad day in the office as none of the players won their games against the hosting country Egypt in a 5-0 display.
National team captain Amos Muyanja lost (21-9 21-8) to Egypt’s Adham Hatem Elgamal, Abdelrahman Abdelhakim defeated Uganda’s Augustus Owinyi (21-11, 21-8) while and Muzafaru Lubega lost to Mohamed Mostafa Kamel (21-18, 21-12).
In the doubles, brothers Expendito Emuddu and Augustus Owinyi lost to Egypt’s Abdelrahman Abdelhakim Ahmed Salah (21-15, 21-11), while Muzafaru Lubeg and Amos Muyanja lost to Ezzat Kareem and Mohamed Mostafa Kamel (21-13, 21-12).
Head coach William Kabindi expressed optimism for the women’s team, aiming for a win against Egypt today (Tuesday).
The men’s team, facing Zambia next, also needs a victory to stay in contention for the next stage.
The Thomas and Uber Cup offers a valuable 400 points for players aiming to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics scheduled for later this year in France.
Courtesy Photos
