Jinja Hippos charge into semifinals with dominant win over Rhinos
The victory completed a double over their opponents, having previously defeated them 20-07 a week earlier.
Jinja Hippos charge into semifinals with dominant win over Rhinos
Bruno Mugooda
Journalist @New Vision
Jinja Hippos delivered another commanding performance on Saturday, overpowering the Rhinos 32-19 in a thrilling encounter to secure their place in this season's semifinals.
The victory completed a double over their opponents, having previously defeated them 20-07 a week earlier.
The home side came out firing, with veteran wingback John Echweru—returning from a six-month injury layoff—opening the scoring with a try just six minutes into the match. The Hippos maintained relentless pressure in the first half, building a commanding 25-0 lead by halftime. Yassin Wasswa contributed a penalty and conversion, while Phillip Oyet and Brighton Bakasa each crossed the try line to extend the advantage.
The Rhinos fought back after the break, with Shakur Kigozi, Allan Olong, and Kiyagga scoring tries, supported by two conversions from the latter. But the Hippos snuffed out any hopes of a comeback when Julius Opio powered over for a crucial try, followed by Wasswa's conversion to seal the win.
"We executed our game plan perfectly in the first half, applying relentless pressure that overwhelmed them," said Jinja Hippos coach Edmond Quarisma. "Now that we're through to the semifinals, we're ready for any challenge ahead."
The Hippos will also draw confidence from the leadership of 2018 MVP Isaac Rujumba, who emphasized the team's fearlessness. "We have the strongest scrum in the division, and that gives us the belief to take on any opponent," Rujumba declared. "This squad has grown into a winning machine with no reason to fear anyone."
With momentum on their side, the Hippos now turn their focus to the semifinals, where they aim to continue their playoff push with the same intensity that has defined their season.