Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, reignited their 2024 Africa Netball Cup campaign with an emphatic 55-43 victory over hosts Namibia in their second Pool Stage match at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund on Wednesday evening.
Following a narrow 49-50 defeat to Zimbabwe in their opener, the She Cranes displayed resilience and stability to secure their first win of the tournament.
Captain Irene Eyaru’s return proved pivotal, as she delivered a flawless performance, scoring all 22 of her attempts to lead her team to victory.
The She Cranes set the tone early, winning the first quarter 15-11, and by halftime, Uganda had extended their lead to nine goals, going into the break at 32-23.
A focused third-quarter performance maintained the momentum, with the visitors holding an 11-goal cushion at 44-33.
Despite Namibia’s spirited efforts in the final quarter, the She Cranes stood firm to seal the match with a 12-goal margin.
Uganda’s success was anchored by a disciplined team effort.
Goalkeeper Hanisha Muhammad and defenders Faridah Kadondi and Gloria Aya provided a solid backline, while center player Margaret Bagala dictated play with composure and skill, earning her the Player of the Match accolade.
Joyce Nakibuule and the towering Mary Nuba also played instrumental roles in the victory.
Head coach Nelson Bogere credited the win to meticulous preparation and mental fortitude.
“Namibia, as the home team, had all the support, but we remained focused and played according to plan,” Bogere said.
Hanisha Muhammad highlighted the team’s improved game management, saying, “We came into this game with a winning mentality. Last time, there was poor game management, but I thank the entire team for fighting hard to win.”
The victory boosts Uganda’s chances of advancing from Pool 2, with their final group match against Eswatini set for today at 1pm.
Eswatini has struggled in the competition, losing 47-58 to Namibia on opening day and suffering a heavy 27-78 defeat to Zimbabwe on day two.
The top two teams from Pool 2 will progress to the semi-finals on Friday, December 13, with the final scheduled for Saturday, December 14.
Uganda, three-time Africa Netball Cup champions, are determined to reclaim the title they last won in 2018, after finishing as runners-up in 2021.
