The Hockey Cranes of Uganda have advanced to the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers despite losing 11-0 to South Africa in their final Pool B match.
Uganda entered the game knowing that a loss to South Africa would not necessarily deny them a place in the semifinals, but they were determined to avoid losing by a large margin.
Although the Hockey Cranes did end up losing by a big margin, they still managed to qualify for the semifinals as Pool B runners-up thanks to their superior goal difference over Zimbabwe and Nigeria.
Uganda’s only win in Pool B came as a forfeit victory against Nigeria, who failed to show up for their match against the Hockey Cranes.
This forfeit victory gave Uganda a 5-0 win, which ultimately proved to be the deciding factor in their qualification for the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Uganda will face Pool A leaders Egypt, who won all of their pool games. South Africa, the Pool B winners, will face Ghana in the other semifinal.
Both semifinals will be played on Friday.
Courtesy Photos
