Rugby Africa Cup, Group C
*Uganda 53-12 Ghana
@Kyadondo Rugby Club
Uganda men’s national rugby XVs team, Rugby Cranes ran in eight tries, one penalty and five conversions to beat Ghana 53-12 in the Group C opening game of the Rugby Africa Cup on Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Club. Ghana only managed two tries and a conversion.
Hooker Faragi Odujo scored Uganda’s first try in the fifth minute. Captain Ivan Magomu missed the extras and the fly half later handed kicking duties over to full back Adrian Kasito who did a great job later in the game.
In the 10th minute Kasito extended Uganda’s try with a close penalty kick.
Five minutes later, right wing Solomon Okia scored Uganda’s second try of the game after a quick inter change with the number eight Desire Ayera off a scrum. Kasito utilized the extras to earn the home side a 15-00 lead.
In the 32nd minute, tight head prop and former Rugby Cranes Captain Brian Odong crossed the white wash with Kasito once again converting.
With Uganda posting a 22-00 lead towards the end of the first half, Ghana seemingly resurrected from their ruins with two quick tries by Scott Miles and Josiah plus a conversion to cut their deficit to just 10 points.
However, Uganda ensured that they ended the first half on a high when Ayera scored Uganda’s fourth try of the game at the stroke of half time and Kasito’s conversion ensured that the home side were 29-12 leaders at the end of the first interval.
In the second half, Uganda managed four more tries plus two conversions while Ghana had no points.
Substitute Aaron Ofoywroth slotted home in the 54th minute with Kasito converting extras.
Four minutes later, Okia scored his second try for the day and Uganda’s sixth overall with Kasito earning himself a fifth conversion that later saw him claim man of the match accolade.
Later in the game, Ayera found his second try of the game before Ronald Kanyanya scored Uganda’s final try of the do to earn Uganda a 53-12 win over Ghana.
Rugby Cranes will play host to Algeria on Saturday, 17th July in the second game of the tournament at Kyadondo. Ghana will play Algeria on Wednesday, 14th July.
The Rugby Africa Cup forms a pathway to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with participants across the groups in the continent eyeing for one direct qualification spot into the final World Cup tournament in France and for one place in the subsequent qualification tournament(s).
