Team Uganda will have a less mountain to climb and perhaps a much easier hurdle to skip come the second leg of this year’s Elgon Cup at Kyadondo grounds this weekend.
The Rugby Cranes defeated neighbours Kenya 17-16 in the first leg of the encounter at the Moi Sports Complex in Karasani on Saturday to keep high hopes of retaining the coveted prize.
The Alex Mubiru-led side did a memorable comeback to defy the odds and make Uganda’s first win in Kenya after seven years. Uganda had last won 22-20 in Nairobi enroute winning their first Elgon Cup trophy in 2006.
And the boys, who had a torrid time on road to Kasarani for the weekend contest, fought hard to take a point advantage into this weekend’s tie in front of the home crowd.
Justin Kimono scored a try while Jonathan Onen’s boot sunk four vital penalties albeit dominance from the hosts. The efforts were enough to give coach Peter Magona his first win in charge of the Cranes ever since replacing Yayiro Kasasa.
In the women’s category, Kenya won 18-17 in a contest the Ugandans can fight and reverse on Saturday.
More so, it was a perfect weekend for Ugandan sport following Uganda’s 2-1 win over Angola in the Fifa World Cup qualifiers, boxer Joey ‘Vegas’ Lubega’s triumph as well as Jas Mangat’s win in Tanzania leg of the Africa Rally Championship.
2013 ELGON CUP
FIRST LEG RESULTS
MEN: Kenya 16-17 Uganda
WOMEN: Kenya 18-17 Uganda