The Uganda Rugby Sevens kept their 2024 Paris Olympics dream alive after putting up phenomenal performances and finishing in the top 3.
The boys came into the tournament as the defending Champions and they sought to defend their title and get automatic qualification to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Saturday was a very good outing with 2 victories and 1 loss. The Ruby Cranes started with a big win against Algeria in a game in which they were very dominant.
They then booked their place in the quarter finals after defeating Burkina Faso .
Things turned sour in the Final group game after the hosts Zimbabwe made a statement 35:05 victory against them which was a wake up call to them.
The boys did the business “as expected” against Namibia in the quarter finals and the progressed to play giants South Africa in the semifinals with their dream still alive.
Their hopes were momentarily cut short after South Africa scored 2 late tries through Rosko Specman in the semifinals. Uganda played really hard giving South Africa a run for their money but in the end it was the Blitzboks that made the Finale.
With a lot at stake, Uganda had to face Zimbabwe once again in the Bronze match. Uganda had to come from behind in the first half to defeat the hosts and hints from their previous loss against them were no where in sight.
The boys showed a lot of resilience and team work and it paid off big as they qualified for the Olympics Games Repechage and World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series.
Results
Uganda 45:07 Algeria
Uganda 36:19 Burkina Faso
Zimbabwe 35:05 Uganda
Uganda 29:15 Zambia (Quarters)
South Africa 26:14 Uganda (Semi)
Uganda 24:12 Zimbabwe (Bronze)
During the Flag off ceremony, the National Council of Sports Chairperson Ambrose Tashobya hinted about 5 million shillings performance bonus per player. It was however not elaborate which results would trigger this bonus. With him, the General Secretary Patrick Ogwel and the Minister Peter Ogwang present for the games and the smiles seem on their faces, the boys might be getting themselves some more cash.
Uganda’s fans were also very present and being the 8th man, behind the boys all the way.
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