The UHA Memorial Shield took center stage on Sunday at the Lugogo Hockey grounds, featuring a showdown between the champions of the National League and the winners of the Uganda Cup. In the event where one team clinched both titles, they faced off against the runners-up of the National League.

The champions of both cups, KHC Swans (ladies) and Weatherhead (men) squared off against Weatherhead Gazelles (ladies) and Wananchi (men), respectively, who were the league runners-up. The action commenced in the afternoon with the KHC Swans dominating the field against the Gazelles, securing a 5-0 victory through goals from Sarah Ahabwe, Winnie Alaro, Lucky Akello, Joy Sserunjoji, and Sandra Namusoke in a seemingly one-sided match.

In the other match of the day, Wananchi clashed with Weatherhead in a heated rivalry renowned in Uganda hockey. Wananchi took the lead with a superb goal by Okello Martin from a penalty corner.

Weatherhead’s Topher Kyamanywa swiftly equalized, leaving the first half tied at 1-1. The game intensified in the fourth quarter, with Wananchi’s persistent attacks eventually paying off as Baguma Emmanuel netted a penalty stroke after a foul on Shafiq Byamukama by Weatherhead’s goal keeper Ekapolon Charles. Weatherhead came through with a late equalizer in the 56th minute as the game ended 2-2 in regular time, requiring a shootout to determine the winner.

In a nail-biting finish, Wananchi emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in the shootout, concluding a thrilling and intense battle of the men’s UHA Memorial Shield Cup 2024.

Hockey action resumes this weekend at the Lugogo Hockey grounds with the 2nd edition of the Pearl of Africa Women’s Cup kicking off from 8th to 10th March 2024.