SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations
Uganda 49 Namibia 28
The She Cranes defeated Namibia by 49-28 to pick up their first win at the SPAR Challenge Tri-Nations series at the Cape Town Convention Centre on Friday night.
Coach Rashid Mubiru made some changes by bringing in Haniisha Muhameed alongside Irene Eyaru. He preferred Susan Mukala in wing attack while Captain Stella Oyella kept her position at centre.
Privas Kayenyi who started as goalkeeper against SA was deployed at wing defence while Shaffie Nalwanja and Joan Nampungu manned defence.
The changes proved interesting as they brought a different dynamic. Muhameed offered a different type of challenge to Shadia Nassanga due to her height. Although she was a bit shaky at the start, she grew into the game and partnered well with Irene Eyaru.
They took a narrow 22-17 lead into half time. At the end, the girls became more clinical with their passing and just like in the match against the SPAR Proteas, the third quarter was telling and it ended with Uganda ahead on 37-21.
Mubiru also withdrew Kayenyi who was in foul trouble and was one caution away from being sent off and brought in Florence Adunia.
Their third quarter exhibited the teams attacking and defensive skills. All the great work started from the back where Nampungu and Nalwanja kept intercepting Namibia’s passes In Uganda’s defensive third.
It came as no surprise that Nampungu was deservedly named player of the match because she took care of business in the defensive third.
On Saturday, Uganda has a date with the South African U-21 side. There is a lot at stake for this encounter and pride is the prevailing theme in all of this.
This is the kind of challenge Mubiru’s side need ahead of the busy Sunday fixture list that includes the second game against South Africa.
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