- New Zealand 64-51 Uganda
Uganda She Cranes growth since their inaugural appearance at the Netball World Cup in 2015 has been tremendous.
Returning to the country where they broke into the top eight Netball playing countries on the planet, it was another opportunity to showcase that growth.
And there could not be a better opportunity than playing against four-time World Cup winners and two-time Commonwealth Gold medalists New Zealand in the first match at the 2018 Games.
The African champions led by skipper and one of the best shooters in the game Peace Proscovia put up a spirited fight at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in the 64-51 defeat.
In 2015, The Ferns eased past She Cranes 76-33 at the Allphones Arena in Sydney but this time round, the Ugandans were more streetwise especially in the second half.
Uganda trailed 15-10 after the first quarter and the margin grew to 10 goals by halftime.
The Ferns who are strong gold medal contenders were strong on defense deflecting 16 passes and intercepted 7 while giving up possession just 11 time.
On the other hand, while the She Cranes were more accurate on shooting they turned over the ball 16 times
Peace Proscovia and Rachael Nanyonga scored 34 and 14 goals respectively for the She Cranes.
The She Cranes will return to action on Saturday against Malawi, a side they beat to the African title last year.
Uganda’s 7: Stella Nanfuka, Florence Nanyonga, Lillian Ajio, Ruth Meeme, Halima Nakachwa, Rachael Nanyonga and Peace Proscovia.
Other Opening Day Results
- England 74-28 Scotland
- Jamaica 88-30 Fiji
- Australia 94-26 Northern Ireland