13th African Games (Badminton – Women Finals):
- Set 1: Uganda 23-21 Algeria
- Set 2: Uganda 21-14 Algeria
Uganda won their first gold medal at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra city, Ghana on Sunday evening.
The gold came in badminton via the diligent pair of Husinah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi at the multipurpose Borteyman sports complex.
Uganda overcame Algeria 2-0 (23-21 and 21-14) amid a cheerful gallery during the well-contested final played in 33 tense minutes.
The sublime team chemistry between Mbabazi and Kobugabe paid off dividends with a spirited 23-21 win during the first set that lasted a quarter of an hour.
With the opening set tied 19-19, 20-20 and 21-apiece; Uganda eventually secured the two crucial points to win 23-21.
The second set was more direct with Uganda establishing at least a two points difference throughout the duel.
The East African country triumphed 21-14 to spark wild celebrations from the handful of Uganda’s fans in the stands.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles was won by the Algerian duo of Mammeri K. and Medel Y.S.
The Algerians beat Nigeria’s pair of Olofua and Ofeyoria 2-0 (21-06 and 21-15) in a contest whose duration was 28 minutes.
Nigeria’s Opeyori defeated fellow countryman Olofua 2-1 (21-23, 21-17 and 21-15) to win the men’s singles gold.
Kobugabe settled for silver when she faced South African Johnita Scholtz in the women’s singles final later on Sunday
The Algerian duo of Mammeri K and Mammeri T.V won gold in mixed doubles over Egypt’s Elgamal H and Hany D 2-0 (21-11 and 21-15).
Besides Badminton, Uganda has been represented by several sports disciplines such as athletics, football, cycling, weightlifting, judo, chess, table tennis and swimming.
Greatness