- 2026 Women’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V | Group A | Friday, November 6
- Uganda 27-30 Kenya
Claire Tabingwa had a night to remember individually, but Uganda’s Nile Queens were left disappointed after falling 30-27 to Kenya in the Women’s IHF Nations Trophy Africa Zone V tournament at the Filbert Bayi Multi Sports Complex in Kibaha, Tanzania, on Friday evening.
Tabingwa was named Player of the Match after an impressive display in which she scored six goals, emerging as one of Uganda’s standout performers despite the defeat.
The November 6 encounter was a Group A preliminary-round contest, with Kenya making the better start and taking a commanding 15-9 lead into the half-time break.
Uganda struggled to find their attacking rhythm in the opening 30 minutes, allowing Kenya to build an advantage that would eventually prove decisive.
The Nile Queens returned with renewed determination after the break, scoring 18 goals in the second half as they fought to get back into the contest. However, Kenya remained composed and did enough to protect their lead, eventually sealing a three-goal victory.
Royce Namutosi was Uganda’s leading scorer with eight goals, while Tabingwa added six. Noelin Amongin contributed four, with Patience Damulira, Diana Nakamya and Joyce Namutosi scoring twice each.
Kenya’s attack was led by Merina Andala, who finished with nine goals, while Martha Lavender Muyekho added six. Melvin Akinyi scored four, Gail Eucabeth Opar contributed three, while Faith Mikhalah Likobe, Cecilia Katheu Kiio and Faith Nekesa Muyekho managed two each. Dorothy Machuma Barasa and Elizabeth Achieng completed Kenya’s scoring with one goal apiece.
From the seven-metre line, Kenya converted three of their four attempts, while Uganda scored four times from six attempts.
Kenya used three team timeouts at 16:57, 38:15 and 47:11, while Uganda called theirs at 13:03 and 50:53 as both technical benches tried to influence the direction of the contest.
Despite the loss, Uganda’s hopes of winning the tournament remain alive. The Nile Queens have progressed to the semi-finals, where they will face Rwanda on Saturday, November 7.
Kenya will meet hosts Tanzania in the other semi-final as the four teams battle for places in the final.
Elsewhere, Ethiopia will face Djibouti in a classification match on the same day.