Uganda’s hopes at the 2025 Safari 7s now rest on the Lady Rugby Cranes, a tight-knit squad of twelve determined players and their technical team after they stormed into the semifinals with a commanding 34–0 win over Kenya Cubs.
It was a statement performance from the Ugandan ladies, who combined precision, patience, and power to completely outclass their young Kenyan opponents and book a semifinal clash with defending champions Costa Blanca.
The Lady Cranes have been in fine form all tournament, edging Belgium in a thrilling contest, cruising past Tunisia and pushing Kenya’s senior side to the limit in a spirited showdown.
Head Coach Charles Onen, visibly proud yet measured, praised his team’s composure after the quarterfinal win.
“It was a good game,” Onen said.
“The girls struggled a bit in the opening minutes, but we capitalized on a few Kenyan errors in the first half where they conceded two tries and that gave us control.”
With Costa Blanca up next, the same team that narrowly beat Uganda in last year’s semifinal, Onen knows the challenge will be tougher.
“We need to step up,” he noted.
“Costa Blanca are a stronger side. We must tighten our defense, attack better, and stay switched on. Last year we lost by just two points, but this time I believe the girls will be stronger and more ready.”
That quiet belief now runs deep in the Lady Cranes camp, as Uganda’s women look to push further than ever and carry their nation’s flag into the Safari 7s final.
