Uganda Rugby Cranes sevens made history on Saturday by dramatically defending the Africa crown to qualify for their maiden Rugby Sevens World Cup to take place in San Francisco, California.
The hosts needed a late try from hero Adrian Kasito to come from behind, winning it 10-7 amidst loud cheers, jubilation and excitement from the local crowd at Legends Sports Grounds in Kampala.
Everything came to a standstill after the try as players sighed with relief after a long awaited delivery for the expectant many.
Uganda’s Lawrence Ssebuliba should have been the star of the show but Shingai Hlanguyo saved Zimbabwe early tears with a successful tackle that pushed the former off the line in the right flank.
Uganda has successfully defended the Africa 7s Rugby Champions title.
Credit: @KineticMgtGroup pic.twitter.com/5LGAGQr3BA— Kawowo Sports (@kawowosports) October 7, 2017
The sprinting Ugandan had been offloaded to by Micheal Wokorach after swift exchanges in the middle.
Pius Ogena rendered Cranes hapless at one point when he got marching orders after a high tackle and the Cheetahs capitalized but their efforts were just not enough to sink the unbeaten East Africans.
Uganda successfully defended the Africa sevens crown, after claiming the same when the outfit defeated Namibia 38-19 in the cup final at the Moi Kasarani Safaricom Stadium last year.
The result meant Uganda will make their first appearance at the Sevens Rugby World Cup alongside runners up Zimbabwe, who appeared at the 1997, 2001, 2009 and 2013 tournaments.
Rugby Africa Sevens final rankings
1. Uganda
2. Zimbabwe
3. Madagascar
4. Zambia
5. Tunisia
6. Senegal
7. Morocco
8. Botswana
9. Ghana
10. Mauritius