Brenda Adokorach was the heroine as Uganda earned a point off Democratic Republic of Congo at the death of the clock in the Women’s Handball competition at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.
The sea-saw game played at Borteyman Sports Complex on Saturday ended in a draw with each team scoring 32 goals.
Adokorach came to the rescue of Uganda in the final minute of the game, saving Nene Mayindama’s penalty.
The crowd went on its feet and gave the goalkeeper a standing ovation. She could not contain the emotions and eventually broke into tears.
Uganda ended the game with a player less after Patricia Arago was sent off in the 58th minute.
At one point, the team was reduced to five players when Patience Damulira was sent to the sin bin. They however, held on to keep the game within reach.
Unlike the opening game against Cameroon where Uganda started slow, on Saturday against Congo, the team had an impressive breakaway, leading 3-0 inside the opening two minutes.
Arago, Jesca Nakamanya, Nakamya scored the opening three goals for Uganda but the jittery hands once again set in and Congo came back to lead 16-15 at the break.
After recess, Uganda returned stronger and opened a three-goal lead but the mistakes were at play again.
In the 59th minute, Congo were awarded a penalty with the score board reading 32-32.
Mayindama faced with goalkeeper Adokorach had the chance to win the game for Congo but her low throw was saved by the latter’s trailing leg.
The point means Uganda has one point from two games and will go into the final game against Mali seeking victory with a big margin.
Congo have two points and will face perfect Cameroon that has confortably won their two games and are through to the semifinals.
