The Uganda U20 Lady Cranes XVs team fell short, 17-14 against Tunisia in their first game of the R10 African Series in South Africa.
The Lady Cranes trailed for more than 60 minutes of the game but in the final 10 minutes of the game, they looked the most dangerous team and scored 2 tries but were unable to complete the comeback.
Early in the game, Tunisia dominated the scrum and they kept attacking Uganda ferociously but the Lady Cranes defense was able to withstand.
In the 16th minute, Tunisia finally scored the opener through Ben Brahem Rahim who made a strong carry to score between the poles.
Uganda had gotten a good line break but they fumbled the ball and Tunisia managed to get the possession and scored after a couple of phases.
In the 26th minute, Tunisia scored another try through the Captain Rosla Ati who caught the defense unaware and touched down in the corner.
Tunisia’s Yassmin Berbrah had made a 50-22 kick, they retained the possession, offloaded to the wide channels and managed to get an opening to score their second try of the game.
In the 33rd minute, Uganda made their first visit to the Tunisia 22 and had a penalty. However, they opted from the tap and go which resulted into a knock on and the game went into halftime 12:00.
Tunisia got their third try of the game under 5 minutes in the second second half through Hiba Bechikhe after a beautiful offload from Yassmin Berbrah and the lead increased to 17.
Tunisia fell off the pace and Uganda started to impose themselves and getting more visists to the Tunisia half.
Tunisia also got a couple of yellow cards in the final minutes and the advantage in numbers helped Uganda a lot.
Phoebe Nakalembe scored Uganda’s first try in 72nd minute after a strong pick and go to touch down between the poles.
Bushira Namutebi made no mistake from the tee for the extras and making it a 10-point game.
In the 79th minute, Tunisia got another yellow card as Rawaa Boudabous made a hair pull on Peace Nemira and she was sent off leaving Tunisia with 13 players.
Uganda opted for a quick start and Nabukeera Marjorine found the gap towards the try line.
However, Tunisia number 15, Eya Sghaier made a dangerous tackle, and a penalty try was awarded to bring Uganda to within 3 points.
Unfortunately, the clock ran out and Uganda was unable to make a comeback but the team must have been very happy with the performance.
Talking points
Bushira Namutebi showed off her kicking skills as she was able to relieve the pressure off the team several times.
Uganda played well defensively and on almost every tackle, they tried to jackle the ball and they good so many turnovers.
This is a tactic that will help them going forward and it could get them some possession in good territories.
Uganda will take on South Africa on Tuesday in their second game of the tournament.
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