Namibia 19-38 Uganda
After edging out the continent’s Rugby 7s power house Zimbabwe at the group stage of the 2016 Africa Cup, there was real belief among the Rugby Cranes players that they could go all the way.
Knocking out defending champions, hosts and favourites Kenya in the semifinals at their own home presented the Rugby Cranes a real chance of winning the cup as it was Namibia who were awaiting but in an unfamiliar territory after beating Madagascar.
All was set for the final of the two day tournament at Kasarani Stadium and it was Uganda that drew first blood as Heathen’s Lawrence Sebuliba raced to touch down.
Unlike the semifinals, Philip Wokorach’s kicking boots were on and was flawless with the conversion as Tolbert Onyango’s men led 07-00.
However, the lead was short-lived as Namibia drew level. Karuuombe Nandicatu successfully converted Sunday Haitembu’s try.
Pius Ogena made Uganda second try and Wokorach successful converted.
Namibia would have drawn level again when Jacobs Jean touched down only for Nandicatu to miss the extras.
Wokorach side stepped to leave Namibia defense behind him for Uganda’s third try and converted it to stretch the Cranes lead to 21-12. James Odong also crossed the chalk for a 26-12 lead for Uganda at the break.
After the interval, Wokorach and Odong combined to put Uganda in a a more comfortable position. Odong picked up a chip from Wokorach to touch down and the latter was flawless with the conversion and the Cranes led 33-12.
Namibia’s Nandicatu touched and Swartz Ricardo added the extras before Solomon Okia Solomon touched down in the last minute to make it 38-19.
By virtue of winning the tournament, Uganda Sevens have qualified for the World Sevens Series qualifiers to be played during the Hong Kong Sevens next year, April 7-9.
Meanwhile, the Rugby Cranes Sevens have also landed invites for Dubai and Cape Town 7s. In the Dubai Sevens, Uganda complete Pool B that has South Africa, USA and Scotland.
