After getting a forfeit victory against Nigeria on the opening day of the Africa Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifier on Sunday, Uganda Hockey Cranes returned to action on Monday.
The Hockey Cranes whose win against the West Africans was their first at this competition were faced with Zimbabwe as an opponent in their second Pool B game.
Uganda were looking to record their first on-field win at this competition, and indeed put up fight, but they were edged 2-1 in the fourth quarter.
After Zimbabwe getting their first goal in the 24th minute though Mutsawashe Kanyangarara, Colline Batusa made sure it didn’t last as he levelled the score two minutes later.
But Tadiwanashe Kamusewu scored the winner for the Southern African nation in 47th minute, and Innocent Raskara‘s men had no response.
Despite the loss, Raskara and his men will take the positives and will hope for a more positive outcome on Wednesday when they face hosts South Africa.
South Africa in their opening game in Pool B thrashed Zimbabwe 10-0. Uganda who conceded 67 goals on their maiden appearance at this competition in 2007 will hope to avoid such an embarrassing score when the two sides meet.
Heading into the rest day, Uganda occupy the second position in Pool B that’s owing to their superior goal difference.
They are just below South Africa who have won both their games.
The Hockey Cranes are trying to qualify for next year’s Olympics in France. Only one place is up for grabs in this Qualifier.
Courtesy Photos
