It was a disappointing start for the Rugby Cranes who lost the opening game of the 2024 Africa Rugby Cup 22-20 to Zimbabwe at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday.
One would argue that Zimbabwe who are ranked 30th in the World were always going to pose a serious challenge to Uganda who are ranked 36th, but the home advantage ensured that majority of the faithful forgot about the above fact.
Additionally, the Sables have triumphed over the Cranes in recent years with the latter’s last victory over the former coming in 2017.
However, all is not lost for Fred Mudoola’s able-bodied men especially when you consider that after trailing 22-0 at the interval, they attempted a heroic comeback but fell short by just two points.
Despite the fact that the chance to play in the final on home soil on Sunday next weekend is gone, the Uganda 15s can still thrive on their home support in the classification semifinals.
They will have to lift their spirits and go again and also expect the crowd to continue rallying behind them in yet another important game against Burkina Faso on Wednesday.
It is more than just a classification game with an opportunity to play a part in the next qualifiers at stake for a place at the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
A fifth place finish will be in the mind of everyone associated with the team when they enter the fray at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
As Uganda lost narrowly to Zimbabwe, on the other hand, Burkina Faso were heavily defeated by the defending champions Namibia 38-05.
Senegal against Ivory Coast will be the other classification match whilst Uganda’s neighbors Kenya Simbas will face Algeria in the semifinals before Namibia and Zimbabwe tussle it out in the other daunting semifinal at Wankulukuku.
Photos by Francis Isano
