Uganda and Kenya faced off in the opening two rounds of the 2023 Victoria Cup tournament on Thursday at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala. Played in a match play format, the tournament saw the two national sides go head to head in a series of intense matches, each hoping to come out on top.
After an eventful day of golf, it was title holders Kenya who emerged as the early frontrunners, winning five out of the eight matches played. There was a stalemate. After day one, Kenya has 5.5 points while Uganda has 2.5 points.
In the morning round (foursomes), Uganda’s captain Joseph Cwinya-ai and Andrew Ssekibejja won 4&3 over Michael Karanga and Elvis Muigua in the foursomes. They were the only home pair to register victory as Kenya fought back, with some impressive performances from their key players.
Kenya triumphed in the other three matches with Dennis Maara and John Lejirma beating Joseph Kasozi and Amon Bwambale 1 up.
Sammy Mulama and Krisch Beiju also posted a 1 up victory over Titus Okwong and Elton Thembo while Abdel Balala and Ebill Omollo emerged 2 up winners over Ibrahim Bagalana and Ibrahim Ssemakula to cap a commanding display from the visiting side.
In the second round (four-ball, better ball), Joseph Cwinya-ai teamed up with Reagan Akena for a 4&2 victory over Josphat Rono and Danny Chelogoi.
Kenya picked two victories with skipper Dennis Maara and former Uganda Golf Open winner John Lejirma beating Andrew Ssekibejja and Elton Thembo 2 up.
Sammy Mulama and Krisch Beiju beat Joseph Kasozi and Amon Bwambale 4&2 but there was a stalemate in the final game between Adel Balala and Ebill Omollo of Kenya against Uganda’s Ibrahim Bagalana and John Musiimenta.
With the tournament now finely poised, all eyes will be on the players as they continue to battle it out for supremacy on the greens. With so much at stake, it promises to be an enthralling contest, and one that local golf fans will be eagerly watching. Action continues on Friday at the same venue and will wind down on Saturday.
