The Rugby Lady Cranes take on the Kenya Lionesses in the second leg of the Elgon Cup on Saturday, hoping for a comeback to clinch the title at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Cranes lost the first leg 15-33 at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala last Saturday and need to beat Kenya with a 19 or more point difference to lift the trophy for the second successive year.
Phila Olando who did not travel to Kampala for the first leg returns for the Lionesses to pair up Celestine Masinde, Janet Awuor and captain Doreen Remour for a shot at glory they last acquired in 2012.
Brian Makalama, Dorothy Nekesa and assistant coach Anthony Kinene will have to organise the Ugandan side, capitalizing on Charity Atimango, Aisha Nakityo, Brenda Kayiyi and Captain Warry Wafula’s brilliance to defend the title.
The Lady Cranes lost last year’s first leg 18-17 in Nairobi but emerged Champions thanks to their 13-8 comeback at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds, Kampala.
Meanwhile, the inaugural U19 Elgon Cup edition will also be concluded with the second leg at the same venue. Uganda proceed with a 5 point advantage having thrashed Kenya 15-10 at Kyadondo.
Kenya U19 coach Paul Murunga has made several changes to his losing side as the team prepares for the Confederation of African Rugby U19 championships due August in Namibia.