She Cranes face crucial Scotland clash at Commonwealth Games
She Cranes head coach Rashid Mubiru says his players understand the importance of the fixture and are determined to finish the group stage on a winning note.
She Cranes. PHOTOS: Nicholas Bamulanzeki
The She Cranes return to action on Thursday, July 30, knowing that victory over Scotland is crucial if they are to keep alive their hopes of securing a top-six finish at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
After suffering back-to-back defeats to world heavyweights New Zealand and Jamaica, Uganda must overcome the hosts in their final Group B fixture to finish third in the group and remain in contention for fifth or sixth place overall.
Uganda has so far registered two wins and two losses in the competition. The She Cranes opened their campaign with an impressive 59-50 victory over Wales before producing their biggest win of the tournament, thrashing Trinidad and Tobago 80-36.
However, they were unable to overcome two of the world's strongest teams, losing 58-50 to world number two New Zealand before falling 55-49 to fourth-ranked Jamaica.
The results leave Uganda third in Group B with four points, behind leaders New Zealand and Jamaica, who have both collected six points. Scotland also has four points, making Thursday's encounter a decisive battle for third place.
She Cranes head coach Rashid Mubiru says his players understand the importance of the fixture and are determined to finish the group stage on a winning note.
"We need this game and we are approaching it with the intention of improving our final ranking in the tournament. Our target now is to finish fifth or sixth, and that starts with beating Scotland," Mubiru said.
Uganda will, however, face a determined Scottish side backed by a home crowd eager to see their team finish strongly.
Although the hosts will enjoy home advantage, history favors the She Cranes. The two sides first met at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where Uganda produced a commanding 57-37 victory.
Uganda also heads into the contest with the higher world ranking. Uganda is currently ranked sixth by World Netball, four places above Scotland, who sit tenth.
Commonwealth Games : Results
Wales 50 vs Uganda 59
Uganda 80 vs Trinindand and Tobago 36
Uganda 50 : New Zealand 58
Uganda 49 vs Jamaica 55
Group B Table standing
New Zealand :6 points
Jamaica:6 points
Uganda: 4 points
Thursday fixture
Uganda vs Scotland:1pm