It was a thrilling day two of the 2023 Victoria Cup tournament as hosts Uganda came from behind to level matters against Kenya on Friday. After a shaky start on day one, the hosts managed to regroup and put in a stunning performance to make a comeback at Uganda Golf Club in Kampala.
Kenya went into day two as leaders off 5.5 points, three ahead of Uganda who struggled in the opening day. However, on day two Uganda won three of the four games played. Spoils were shared in one of the games and at the end of the day the two sides had six points each. Only one round (four-ball, better ball) was played on Friday after inclement weather washed away the opening round in the morning.
In the opening day, Uganda wasn’t having the best of days as they struggled to come to terms with the course. Despite playing on their home turf, they were not able to capitalize on their local knowledge. However, the team soon found their rhythm and began to claw back the deficit.
In one of the games, Andrew Ssekibejja and Titus Okwong combined for a 5&3 win for the home side against Kenya’s Dennis Maara and Michael Karanga.
Uganda’s Captain Joseph Cwinya-ai who tested victory in two rounds on Thursday was triumphant on Friday as well. He teamed up with Joseph Kasozi for a 1up win against John Lejirma and Ebill Omollo.
The other triumph for Uganda came from Ibrahim Bagalana and John Musiimenta who posted a 2&1 win against Sammy Mulama and Krisch Beiju. Meanwhile, spoils were shared between Amon Bwambale and Elton Thembo of Uganda and Kenya’s Adel Balala and Elvis Muigua.
The comeback was eventually complete, and the team was delighted with the outcome. They had worked incredibly hard leading up to this tournament, and their dedication and effort had paid off. The team now looks forward to the final day of the championship with confidence and optimism.
Uganda’s impressive performance on day two has set the stage for an exciting and nerve-wracking final day, where they will be looking to take the title from Kenya’s grasp. The stakes are high, and the pressure will be intense, but both national golf sides will be up for the challenge.
