Africa Gold Cup 2018
Uganda 65-12 Tunisia
Kyadondo Grounds, Kampala
Saturday, 04-08-2018
The Uganda Rugby Cranes ran riot on Saturday as they defeated Tunisia 65-12 in the 2018 Africa Gold Cup.
Having lost their first two games in the competition, John Duncan’s charges knew that anything short of a win would all but end their World cup qualification hopes.
Full back Philip Wokorach was the star man for the Cranes, scoring a hat trick of tries, two penalties and seven conversions.
The team started slowly when they gifted Tunisia a cheap try off a scrum to silence the crowd. After missing the resulting conversion, the North Africans led by 5-0 at this stage.
Then Philip Wokorach kick started the party with two penalties to put Uganda in the lead, 6-5.
Minutes later, Pius Ogena ripped through Tunisia’s defence before playing in Robert Masendi who cleared the white-wash for Uganda’s first try of the game.
Five minutes later, Michael Wokorach touched down at the corner for try number two but Philip Wokorach’s conversion went wide.
The number 15 later cleared the field before racing to the posts, handing Justin Kimono the ball to touch down at the stroke of halftime and ensure the hosts led by as many as 20 points with the scores 25-5.
After the break, skipper Asuman Mugerwa powered over the line after which the Philip Wokorach show started with the Kabras Sugar star thrice dancing his way the white chalk.
Solomon Okia joined in on the party after capitalising on Tunisian’s fumble. He later raced his way to the try line but handed the ball to Ian Munyani for the try. Philip converted and the rout was complete with the scores 65-12 in Uganda’s favour.
This is Uganda’s first victory in the Gold Cup after losing to Kenya (22-38) and Namibia (06-55) in the first two games.
The Cranes must collect maximum points in their last two games to stand a chance of at least making the Repechage competition as automatic qualification to the 2019 Rugby World cup looks less likely.
They host Morocco next weekend before welcoming Zimbabwe to the country on 18th of this month.
The team that featured against Tunisia:
Forwards: Martial Tchumkam, Paul Ssekate, Asuman Mugerwa (C), Charles Uhuru, Robert Aziku, Byron Oketayot, Brian Asaba, Eliphaz Emong.
Backs: Aaron Ofoiwroth, Robert Masendi, James Odong, Pius Ogena, Michael Wokorach, Justin Kimono (VC), Phillip Wokorach.
Reserves: Tamale Joseph, Santos Ssenteza, Kimbowa Collins, Simon Olet, Mukama Arthur, Conrad Wanyama, Solomon Okia.
