Thursday, August 13
Jamaica Vs Uganda, 7:20am (Ugandan Time)
When the Uganda She Cranes take on Jamaica on Thursday in their second game of the qualification round of the Netball World Cup at the AllPhones Arena, there will be no room for another loss if they are to stand a chance of progressing to the semifinal.
Uganda who have been the surprise packet if this year’s tournament lost their Pool E opener against African giants Malawi on Tuesday and only a win against fourth ranked Jamaica will leave the She Cranes with a chance of progress.
Having had quick starts in previous three games, the She Cranes started slow against Malawi and got themselves into a hole they couldn’t get out and thus will need a strong start against the Sunshine Girls.
Depending on how Ruth Meme and Halima Nakacwa will be played, the pair has to get Goal Shooter, Peace Proscovia and Goal Attack, Racheal Nanyonga an early going for a strong start.
She Cranes’ Goal Attack Racheal Nanyonga (R) in action against Malawi (Photo Credits: Netball World Cup)
On the other hand, Jamaica will also be hungry and need a win as much as the She Cranes having been piped by New Zealand 55-48 in the qualifications opener.
Both Uganda and Jamaica concluded the preliminary round ranked second in their respective groups having lost a game to Wales and England respectively.
Jamaica’s Wing Attack, Khadijah Williams and Center player Paula Thompson as well as Goal Attack, Shanice Beckford will look to deliver as many passes as they can to the star shooter Romelda Aiken who is so dominant in the circle.
Jamaica’s Wing Attack, Khadijah Williams (with the ball) will trouble Uganda’s defense (Photo Credits: Netball World Cup)
Depending on who of Betty Namukasa and Florence Nanyonga will be deployed by Coach Rashid Mubiru to mark the shooter, they will have a lot work to do in the defensive circle to slow down Aiken.
She Cranes’ Wing Defender, Lillian Ajio will have to be in top notch form to counter Jamaica’s brilliant passer and Wing Attack, Khadijah Williams who along with Beckford recieve most of Jamaica’s center passes for their quick attack.
In the other Pool E game played on Wednesday, New Zealand edged Malawi 57-49 to book a place in the semifinals.
Uganda, Malawi and Jamaica have to fight for the remaining place.
