By: Geoffrey Mugabi
On Wednesday evening, Uganda’s Women Netball National Team, the She Cranes, defeated hosts Namibia 43-55 to register their first victory at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup.
The match, played at the MTC Dome in Swakopmund, saw Uganda dominate throughout, leading in all four quarters.
In the first quarter, Uganda led 11-15, with Namibia staying close for most of that period.
However, Uganda extended their lead in the second quarter, scoring 32 to Namibia’s 23, pushing the score to 43-33 in their favor by the third quarter.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes sealed a comfortable 12-goal victory, finishing the game 55-43.
Irene Eyaru had a perfect 100% shooting accuracy, making 22 attempts, but Margaret Bagala was named Uganda’s best player of the match.
After the game, coach Nelson Bogere praised his team’s performance.
“The girls executed everything as planned. The home team had the support, but the team stayed focused and managed to win. The two players who were sent off weren’t indisciplined; they just got caught up in the pressure to win, which affected them and the team. But the key factor is the win,” said Bogere.
Player Hanisha Muhammad also reflected on the team’s improvement.
“We were reckless in our last game, but we came into the Namibia match with a winning mentality. We lost the last game due to poor game management, and we couldn’t afford to repeat that mistake against Namibia. I thank my teammates for fighting hard to secure the victory.”
Uganda will next play Eswatini on Thursday afternoon in their third group game. Eswatini lost 58-47 to Namibia in the opening match.
Lineup
– GS: Mary Nuba
– GA: Irene Eyaru
– C: Margaret Bagala
– WA: Joyce Nakibuule
– WD: Aya Gloria
– GD: Kadondi Faridah
– GK: Hanisha Muhammad
Substitutes
Christine Nakitto, Christine Namulumba, Sandra Nambirige, Racheal Nanyonga, Shadia Nassanga.
