Uganda enjoyed one of, if not the most successful double delight on a Sevens journey with both men and women registering wins.
The Lady Cranes got us underway in Montevideo against Thailand, seeking revenge for their Dubai defeat (19-07 in January). They delivered in emphatic fashion, securing a bullish 15-05 win.
Three tries through Captain Peace Lekuru, returning Grace Auma and the ever-reliable Maimuna Nassozi were enough to do the job and set the ball rolling for Uganda.
Thailand played smart but had no answer for the endurance and physicality of Coach Onen’s charges.
Lady Cranes Cruise to Quarterfinals with Commanding Win
In the second game, Uganda were simply multiple levels ahead of Mexico, registering a comfortable 48-07 win and confirming their place in the last eight with a game still left to play.
Uganda ran in eight tries thanks to Peace Lekuru (2), Ritta Nadunga, Lydia Namabiro, Racheal Mufuwa (2), Grace Nabaggala, and Agnes Nakuya.
Rugby Cranes Stage Dramatic Comeback Against Germany
The men’s team opened their Uruguayan exploits with a famous comeback win against dreaded Challenger foes, Germany, winning 17-14 in stellar fashion.
The Uganda Rugby Cranes fell behind 14-00 at the break and mounted a second-half comeback that saw them score three unanswered tries to win the game.
Norbert Okeny put Uganda on the comeback road with a try that was converted by Denis Etwau. Adrian Kasito would later score the try that put Uganda within touching distance.
With the hooter sounding and Uganda in possession on the last play, Pius Ogena dodged his way beyond the whitewash to give Uganda a thoroughly deserved win.
In the wee hours of the morning, Uganda came out on top against hosts Uruguay, winning 26-21.
Uganda needed the brilliance of Philip Wokorach (2) to put the game beyond contention, having been reduced to 6 men with Adrian Kasito receiving his marching orders after two yellow cards. Norbert Okeny, Timothy Kisiga were also on the scoresheet.
Uganda are in the last eight with a game to spare, a very welcome improvement from Dubai in January.
Lady Cranes HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 Round Two – Montevideo Fixtures
Saturday, 9th March 2024
Uganda vs Argentina – 5:37 pm
Uganda Cranes HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 Round Two – Montevideo Fixtures
Saturday, 9th March, 2024
Uganda vs Papua New Guinea – 9:08 pm
Courtesy Photos
