Victoria Cup 2019
Saturday result
Uganda 38-22 Zambia
Uganda Rugby Cranes finally grabbed their first international home win of the year (2019) after convincingly beating Zambia 38-22 in their final home match of the Victoria Cup 2019 at Kyadondo Rugby grounds on Saturday.
It was Rugby Cranes second win overall following their triumph in Kisumu against Kenya in a fixture that doubled as the Elgon Cup first leg.
The Nile Special-sponsored side conceded an early converted try just like their previous match against Zimbabwe but Full back Philip Wokorach quickly reacted with a penalty.
Pius Ogena picked a knock and was replaced by Black Pirates’ Desire Ayera, whose performance off the bench earned him the Man of the match honors.
Wokorach cut Zambia’s lead to one point when he managed to convert a penalty from close range. On his maiden appearance after injury layoff, assistant captain Justin Kimono scored Uganda’s first try right at the right flag –thanks to a clever assist by Wokorach who eluded Zambia’s bodies to set clear the Betway Kobs winger.
Zambia capitalized on an overlap to score their second try and to restore a one-point lead after failed conversion attempt. Rugby Cranes Number 8 Eliphaz Emong scored Uganda’s second try after the home side successfully capitalized on a scrum that was close to the try line.
Faraj Odugu who was starting for the first time scored Uganda’s third try from the left flank. Uganda and Zambia later successfully converted penalties as the score read 28-15 by half time in favor of the hosts.
An early try on return and another late in the game by Desire Ayera sealed a 38-22 win for Uganda. “I am happy with my performance but most importantly the team won. We now have to ensure victories in our remaining matches. It is not easy but it takes hard work and determination,” Ayera noted. Uganda will next travel to Zambia and Zimbabwe for the tournament return legs.
