- Rugby Africa Cup 2021 Pool C – Kampala, Uganda
- Sunday, July 18, 2021 – 3 p.m.: Uganda vs Algeria
Brian Makalama has tweaked his Uganda Rugby Cranes significantly in preparation for a tough test against Algeria in the final Pool C match of the Rugby Africa Cup 2021.
Some of the changes have been voluntary, and others forced by circumstances.
In the pack, Asuman Mugerwa starts at the front row having sat out the first match against Ghana and in the back row, Mark Omoding will start in Kelvin Balagadde’s place.
In the backline, it is a new halfback combination of Aaron Ofoywroth and Ivan Magomu, and a new midfield combination of Pius Ogena and Solomon Okia. Okia shifts to outside center in the place of injured Justin Kimono. Thus, Maxwell Ebonga starts at blindside wing with Daudi Semwami crossing to the openside.
The bench is a bold 6-2 split including Mongers Rugby Club’s Joaquim Chissano who will be waiting to make his national team debut.
Makalama is wary of Algeria who suffered a shock defeat in their first match against Ghana. The Les Lionceaux conceded a late world-class try in the match that rendered their tie against Uganda a must-win if they are to qualify for next year’s tournament.
“Ghana did themselves proud making the comeback but now they’ve awoken the beast (in Algeria). We know Sunday will be a tough day for us in office and we are ready for whatever is going to be thrown at us,” Makalama said after watching the Ghana vs Algeria match.
Uganda has already qualified for the Rugby Africa Cup 2022 knockout stage but will be playing to confirm their finishing position in Pool C. A win pits them against Pool B runners-up Kenya while a loss sees them draw Pool B winners Senegal for next year.
The match will be played at Kyadondo Rugby Club behind closed doors and will be broadcast LIVE on Kawowo Sports YouTube channel.
Uganda Rugby Cranes Squad (debutants*):
- Forwards: 1 Asuman Mugerwa, 2 Faraji Odugo, 3 Brian Odongo, 4 Robert Aziku, 5 Eliphaz Emong, 6 Mark Omoding, 7 Byron Oketayot, 8 Desire Ayera.
- Backs: 9 Aaron Ofoywroth, 10 Ivan Magomu, 11 Maxwell Ebonga, 12 Pius Ogena, 13 Solomon Okia, 14 Daudi Ssemwami, 15 Adrian Kasito.
- Reserves: 16 Ronald Kanyanya, 17 Santos Ssenteza, 18 Collin Kimbowa, 19 Kelvin Balagadde, 20 Joaquim Chissano*, 21 Jacob Ochen, 22 Paul Epillo, 23 Ivan Claude Otema.