After a dominant 50-0 win over Burkina Faso, Uganda’s Lady Cranes were expected to ease past Zambia in their second Pool C match.
Instead, the encounter proved much closer, with Uganda narrowly claiming a 20-14 victory.
Janat Nandudu opened the scoring for Uganda, finishing a clever switch pass from Peace Lekuru.
All four of Uganda’s first-half tries, including a decisive effort from Suzan Adong, went unconverted.
Zambia struck back with a converted try, briefly taking a 7-5 lead, before Cranes captain Agnes Nakuya restored Uganda’s advantage just before halftime.
In the second half, Samiya Ayikoru extended Uganda’s lead after a crafty dummy, but the Lady Cranes struggled with discipline and set piece execution, giving Zambia opportunities to stay in the contest.
Coach Charles Onen will now focus on sharpening execution and sticking to the game plan as Uganda advances to the quarterfinals.
