Last weekend, Uganda men’s national American Football team, The Generals lost 34-22 to their Kenyan counterparts, White Rhinos in the return leg of the 2023 Africa Zone Series held at Utali Sports Ground in Nairobi.
As the clock ticked down to zero, the scoreboard was in favor of the home team, but the energy in Uganda’s team was anything but defeated. Despite the loss, the Generals had put up a good fight, displaying both resilience and grit mainly in the second half of the game.
Kenya had a dream start to the game to the delight of their fans. In the first quarter, they took the lead with a score of 8-0. Quarterback Edwin Osuma scored the first touchdown and nailed two PAT conversions in the first quarter. In the second quarter, Kenya extended their lead to 14-0 with a touchdown by Running Back Hobson Ndege.
After the White Rhinos dominating against the Generals at halftime, the latter turned around the tide in the other half of the game. Uganda’s right back Ashraf Goloba was named man of the match after putting up a good show. He also touched down in the second half. Uganda’s other touch downs in the second half came from wide receiver Samuel Kigozi, tight end Richard Ngobi and U.S. based quarterback William Cotter.
The recent meet against Kenya was the General’s fourth full contact competitive match in the recent past. They are one of the newest national sports teams in the country as American Football is still a budding sport here in Uganda. The two countries (Kenya and Uganda) are the only nations in the region who have embraced the sport and have been facing themselves in the recent past.
The first encounter between Uganda and Kenya was on 3rd September 2022 at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) in Juja, Nairobi. Uganda won the match 16-14. This was the opening leg of that year’s Africa Zone Series.
The second meeting between the two sides was at Legends Grounds in Kampala on 27th November 2022 during the return leg of the Africa Zone Series. Kenya emerged 6-0 winners in what was the first ever full contact football match played in Uganda.
The third meeting was this year on 12th November at Legends Grounds in Kampala. Kenya who were led by Rama Olwande and Hobson Ndege emerged 14-00 winners to take a first leg advantage of the Africa Zone Series. They (Kenya) also won the return leg of the same last weekend at home.
While this year’s losses were undoubtedly disappointing, the team has much to be proud of. In Nairobi last weekend they showed a never-quit attitude, never faltering or giving up, and took the game down to the wire. Even after the final whistle, they huddled together on the field, heads held high, united in their effort and determination.
The team may have suffered a string of losses recently, but behind the results lies a team that has shown immense potential for a bright future. Despite the setbacks, the team has demonstrated resilience, improvement, and most importantly, an unyielding spirit.
As the new year approaches, these performances can serve as a springboard for future successes, building confidence and morale as they hit the practice field. It’s clear that this team isn’t backing down from a challenge; they’re ready to take on whatever comes their way. The fans may have been disappointed with the Nairobi performance, but they can rest assured that they witnessed a group of athletes who are committed to each other and to the game of football.
If everything is put in order, the future will be bright for the Generals, and it’s undeniable that the players and fans alike should have optimism that they will emerge from this spell of defeats as an even stronger and more formidable team. The team’s journey will undoubtedly be one to watch, and it’s exciting to see what they will achieve.
