Handball: Odora vows to fix defence, attack as UPDF eye first-round perfection
The Bombo-based side defeated Police 38-31 in their first-round leg at Old Kampala Arena on Sunday, winning by a seven-point margin in a tightly contested encounter.
Police's Shakib Nyanzi Ssentamu attacks against UPDF during their league game at Old Kampala Arena. UPDF won 38-31. Photo by Johnson Were
A first-round clean sheet is top of the agenda for the Uganda Peoples Defence Force (UPDF) handball team as they pursue their league title defence.
However, head coach Patrick Odora will have to address defensive lapses and attacking execution as he prepares for his side's final first-round fixture against Prisons on Saturday.
The Bombo-based side defeated Police 38-31 in their first-round leg at Old Kampala Arena on Sunday, winning by a seven-point margin in a tightly contested encounter.
Despite the victory, Odora admitted that his defence and attack performed below expectation.
"We lost so many opportunities because some of the players were still juniors and had not yet gelled with the seniors. That is the assignment I have before the Saturday game against Prisons," Odora said after the win.
"We shall also work on our physique and fitness levels because Prisons are a strong side," he added.
UPDF's Francis Ongom in action against Police during their 38-31 victory at Old Kampala Arena. Photo by Johnson Were
Francis Ongom scored a game-high nine goals, while Bruhan Bogere and Vincent Tibamwenda contributed six and five goals respectively for UPDF. For Police, Geoffrey Ssekamanya and Daniel Bongomin managed seven goals each.
Police coach Aziz Yakub accepted defeat but promised a stronger showing in the return leg, insisting it is too early to write his side off the league title race.
In other weekend results, Prisons defeated Uzalendo 36-22, Nkajja lost 48-27 to Prisons, Mbogo High fell to Nkajja 33-29, while Kyengeza lost 55-40 to Police.
The league continues on Saturday with several matches scheduled at Old Kampala Arena.