Uganda’s men’s beach volleyball team made a winning start at the CAVB Zone V Beach Volleyball Championship in Bujumbura, as Isaac Ogusul and Innocent Ayo battled from behind to beat Tanzania’s Saidi Alhaji and Selemani Hassani 2-1 (14-21, 21-17, 15-09) on Friday at Eden Garden Resort.
After watching the women’s team dominate on Thursday, Ogusul and Ayo kept Uganda’s momentum alive.
They struggled early, losing the first set 14-21 as Tanzania’s aggressive serves and strong net play took control.
But the Ugandans fought back, taking the second set 21-17 through steady defense and smart shot placement.
In the decider, Uganda took full command. Ogusul’s sharp attacks and Ayo’s quick defensive work saw the pair pull clear to clinch the tiebreak 15-09, completing a spirited comeback and marking a perfect start for the men’s side.
Their win followed the women’s strong showing, where Nancy Chebet and Peace Busingye defeated Kenya’s Esther Mwise and Ann Akiru Ekuam 2-0 (21-13, 21-06) in their opener.
The pair later beat Burundi’s Emmanuelie Ndayikengurukiye and Pamella Irakoze (21-14, 21-14) before narrowly losing to Kenya’s Edda Chepkemei and Sharon Jepkogie in their final match.
