Focus will be on improved performance as the Uganda Rugby Cranes face Burkina Faso in the 5th-place semifinals tomorrow at 12 p.m. at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Despite a second-half comeback, Uganda could not overturn a 22-0 halftime deficit against Zimbabwe in their quarterfinal match on Saturday, dropping them to the placement games scheduled for tomorrow.
Siblings Phillip Wokorach and Innocent Gwokto scored Uganda’s tries, but the 2007 African champions fell short in their quest for a second-ever African title.
Backs coach Leonard Lubambula says the team has addressed its weaknesses. “We have tried to correct the attack and defense, especially the fielding and breakdown. The Burkina Faso players are bigger than us and would want to capitalize on that. The kick and chase is one thing we have worked on, and it helps to apply pressure on our opponents.”
Among the changes in the squad, Alex Aturinda replaces the injured Moses Zziwa, and Joseph Aredo starts in place of Jones Kamiza. Mark Omoding and Joseph Oyet are new inclusions in the 23-man matchday squad.
Lubambula reflects on the mood in camp: “The boys want to correct the mistakes that happened on Saturday, and that’s the attitude in camp. The team has taken ownership of what happened, and they are ready to go.”
With the games moved from Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku, Senegal will face Ivory Coast at 10 a.m. in the other placement game. Meanwhile, holders Namibia take on Zimbabwe, and Kenya will tussle it out against Algeria in the other main cup semifinal tomorrow at Namboole.
