The Uganda Rugby Men’s team enjoyed a perfect day one as they won both their games on day one. The Africa Men’s Sevens Series 2026, which is a qualifier for the World Rugby SVNS Division 3 is being hosted by Uganda at Kyadondo and it as the start that they all wanted.

In Uganda’s opening game, they dominated Senegal and secured a 38-0 victory. Daniel Otim opened the scoring after out pacing the defense with ease. Alex Aturinda scored the Rugby Cranes second try a few moments later following a well worked play from the restart. As the half winded down, Desire Ayera touched down in corner to give Uganda a 19-0 lead at the halftime break.

No sooner had the second half started than Uganda scored their fourth try through the Captain, Ian Munyani. At this point, it was a matter of how many and Uganda added 2 more tries through Malcolm Okello and Karim Arinaitwe.

The second game of the day for Uganda was very interesting and they defeated Tunisia 26-10. However, the final score doesn’t tell the whole story. Uganda opened the scoring through Malcolm Okello who split the Tunisia defense and touched down between the poles. At that time, the Rugby Cranes had been with 6 players because Daniel Otim had been in the sinbin.

In the next couple of minutes, Tunisia got 2 yellow cards and played with 5 players. However, in what seemed to be their weakest point, it turned out to be when they were strongest. The North Africans managed to defend and when they got possession, they scored against Uganda. This was the ultimate team play as they kept the ball alive with beautiful offloads until Ahmed Abrug touched down in the corner. At the halftime break, Uganda led 7-5 and the game was proving to be very tough.

Aaron Tukei produced a moment of magic at the start of the second half. Tunisia made an error at the restart and they paid heavily. When Uganda got the ball, they managed to keep it, maintaining patience until Tukei saw and opening and he went for it.

After that, Uganda lokked in firm control and mounted attack after attack. They were soon rewarded with a penalty try after a Tunisia player tackled Desire Ayera who was without the ball. Tunisia responded with a try from Yassine Riyehi but they were running out of time. Shakim Sembusi scored the final try of the game. This was another spectacle as he dummied 2 defenders to find the narrow gap. With that, Uganda won the game 26-10 and finished perfect on day one.

Day 2

The Rugby Cranes will face Zambia in their final pool game at 10:06 am on Sunday 27th. The aim will be to win the game and top pool B.

Other games

Zambia secured narrow win in both games on day one. They defeated Tunisia 10-7 and Senegal 17-14. They will face Uganda to see who tops the pool. Zimbabwe also won both of their games. It was a narrow 19-12 win against Morocco but a thumping 40-17 victory against Ghana.

Full scores

Nigeria 26-05 Ghana

Zimbabwe 19-12 Morocco

Zambia 10-07 Tunisia

Uganda 38-00 Senegal

Nigeria 05-36 Morocco

Zimbabwe 40-17 Ghana

Zambia 17-14 Senegal

Uganda 26-10 Tunisia