Golf: Uganda takes lead at East African Challenge

Leaderboard

Uganda 6 pts

Kenya 5

Ethiopia 4

Tanzania 4

Rwanda 1

Uganda won five games and squared two to brighten their chances of retaining the East African Golf Challenge title as the tournament teed off at the Addis Ababa Golf Club in Ethiopia on Thursday.

Going into the second day's action at the par 70 course, Uganda is on six points, one ahead of nearest challengers and perennial rivals Kenya who are on 5.

Martin Ocaya set set the pace for Uganda when he beat Ethiopia's Ephrem Gebreselasse; 4&3 in one of the opening matches of the three-day match play competition.

Josephy Cwinya-ai was also in brilliant form beating Rwanda's Leonard Nkurunziza 5&4 while Rodwell Gaita making his debut on the team also beat Tanzania's Salim Sharif, 4&3.

The only half point from the morning session came from Daniel Baguma who squared it out with Kenya's Alfred Nandwa, to give Uganda 3 and a half points lead.

In the afternoon session Ronald Rugumayo and Adolf Muhumuza extended Uganda's lead by beating Ethiopia's Haile Aklilu 4&2 and James Ndikumana 5&4 respectively.

Ronald Otile was also held by Kenya's Daniel Nduva with Uganda Captain Becca Mwanja the only victim of the day after being edged by Tanzania's Elias Nyenza, 1up.

"We are looking foward to closing out the Kenyans ourselves; and guess what the tournament will be done," Uganda captain Mwanja stated.

Day two will have the five teams compete in the foursomes in the morning before the four-ball-better-ball in the afternoon.It will end on Saturday with another singles round.