Uganda 3 -1 Burundi (22-25, 25-19, 25-11, 31-29)
Strongly well weighted jump services, team support, excellent ball reception, setting and execution defined Uganda’s main strategy as the host nation came from a set one 22-25 deficit to register an opening day one sweet victory over Burundi in the men’s Zone 5 sub zonal volleyball qualifiers played at the MTN arena in Lugogo Kampala on Thursday.
Seldom is a volleyball set decided after a 31-29 score line. It was only envisaged at the MTN Lugogo volleyball courts on Thursday evening. Such was the adrenaline moving finish that kept the entire crowd on their toes. Uganda eventually triumphed in the set and won 3-1 over Burundi.
Donned in an black outfit, Ugandan players led by captain Dickens Otim showed character and composure as they over turned a 22-25 loss in the first set to win three consecutive sets.
Power attackers, Nicholas Dheyongera, Louis Mubangizi, George Aporu, Jonathn Akuguzibwe and setter John Bosco Opendi proved the main difference as team Uganda sought for their first win of the campaign. Uganda rallied to equalize 25-19 in the second set, had an easy ride in the third set (25-11) before a tension packed finish 31-29 in the final fourth set to spark a thunderous applause from the packed house at Lugogo.
“A win on the opening day is a great start in a tournament of this magnitude, lets hope for the best in the coming two games against Kenya and Tanzania”, said, Skipper, Dickens Otim, who had a relatively quite evening at office.
Team Uganda head coach, Anthony Ndawula concurred with his troops leader, “The tournament openers are not easy games, I thank the players and the lively crowd, please keep coming for the remaining games”, he urged.
In the earlier game of the day played, Kenya were 3-0 victors over neighbours, Tanzania with set scores of 25-13, 25-21, 25-15.
Action at Lugogo returns on Friday with Burundi taking on Tanzania in the opening fixture before the hosts face an acid test as they take on Kenya. The top three teams qualify for the zone 5 main qualifiers from where 2 will represent the zone to the FIVB World Championships in Poland come 2014.
The three day tourney is sponsored by Rwenzori mineral water.
Line ups:
Uganda:-John Bosco Opendi, Smith Okumu, Saviour Atama, Phillip Wandawa, Dickens Otim (Captain), George Herbert Aporu, Tom Paul Amou, Emma Kato, Jonathan Akugizibwe, Louis Kakooza Mubangizi, Nicholas Dheyonhera and Emma Elanyu.
Burundi:-Patrick Bizimungu, Yvan Dukundane, Briand Mugabowingabo, Jeremie Miniani, Eric Bamporubusa, Sixte Nderagakura (Captain), Pacifique Iradukunda, Oliver Lambert Ntisumbwa, Duc Tresor Ntwari, Donald Beruburundi, Israel Nkamicaniye and Richard Niyongabo.
Referees: 1st Ref: Afred Kutindi (Kenya) and 2nd Ref: Alfred Selengia (Tanzania)
