With both the Avengers and Nile Rapids coming off convincing wins, the match on Saturday could have gone either way.
The clouds blessed Busambaga and this only made for a feisty affair. Even before kickoff, the stakes were already high. This game would be a repeat of the 2023/2024 Uganda Cup final that the Nile Rapids won with a player of the game performance from Tina Akello.
The Avengers went ahead through the boot of Maimuna Nassozi in the first half. Tina Akello then tried to level matters before halftime, but her penalty attempt wasn’t good.
“The game was very competitive; none of us wanted a loss, it was just pressure rugby. Despite the weather and home advantage to the Avengers, the Rapids played their hearts out,” Akello noted with pride.
Despite welcoming Grace Nabaggala and Gertrude Kateesa, in addition to the presence of Peace Lekuru, the Avengers simply couldn’t overpower a resilient Rapids side. Youngsters like Jemimah Namukose, who was my player of the match, Fatuma Kirabo the eventual MVP, Minat Namono and Shaine Babirye were unbreakable in defence and attacked with flair.
The biggest strengths for the Rapids was their ability to field so well, especially through their back three consisting of Kirabo, Namono and Unity Namulala. Additionally, they refused to play in their half through clearance kicks, but these often found the pouch of Juliet Nandawula.
In the second half, the Avengers extended their lead through Nassozi to 6 points, but that was soon reduced by the boot of Akello. Akello then managed to equalise for the Rapids to secure two points.
“I am slightly frustrated about it because there were moments when we could change the draw but it never happened. In other terms, the team fought and matched their intensity, so I am proud of the draw. It was a good fight,” noted Akello.
We now wait for the return leg for either side to make amends if they are to stay in the title race.