Rugby Africa Cup – Pool C
Uganda 53-12 Ghana
Kyadondo Rugby Club, Kampala
The Rugby Cranes scored eight trys, one penalty and five conversions to beat Ghana 53-12 in the Group C opening game of the Rugby Africa Cup on Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Club.
Ghana only managed two trys and a conversion on a day that Uganda clearly outclassed them.
Hooker Faragi Odujo scored Uganda’s first try in the fourth minute. Captain Ivan Magomu missed the extras.
In the 10th minute Kasito extended Uganda’s lead with a close penalty kick to take the scores to 8-0.
Five minutes later, right wing Solomon Okia scored Uganda’s second try of the game after a quick inter change with Desire Ayera off a scrum. Kasito utilized the extras to earn the home side a 15-00 lead.
In the 32nd minute, tight head prop and former Rugby Cranes Captain Brian Odong crossed the white wash with Kasito once again converting.
With Uganda posting a 22-00 lead towards the end of the first half, Ghana seemingly resurrected from their ruins with two quick tries by Scott Miles and Josiah plus a conversion to cut their deficit to just 10 points.
However, Uganda ensured that they ended the first half on a high when Ayera scored Uganda’s fourth try of the game at the stroke of half time and Kasito’s conversion ensured that the home side were 29-12 leaders at the end of the first interval.
In the second half, Uganda managed four more tries plus two conversions while Ghana had no points.
Substitute Aaron Ofoywroth slotted home in the 54th minute with Kasito converting extras.
Four minutes later, Okia scored his second try for the day and Uganda’s sixth overall with Kasito earning himself a fifth conversion that later saw him claim man of the match accolade.
Later in the game, Ayera found his second try of the game before Ronald Kanyanya scored Uganda’s final try of the do to earn Uganda a 53-12 win over Ghana.
Rugby Cranes will play host to Algeria on Saturday, 17th July in the second game of the tournament at Kyadondo. Ghana will play Algeria on Wednesday, 14th July.
The Rugby Africa Cup forms a pathway to the 2023 Rugby World Cup with participants across the groups in the continent eyeing for one direct qualification spot into the final World Cup tournament in France and for one place in the subsequent qualification tournament(s).