Rugby Cranes come up short against Zimbabwe

Victoria Cup: Uganda 26 Zimbabwe 31 

Rugby Cranes tactician Robert Seguya has attributed the team's 31-26 defeat by the Zimbabwe Sables in the Victoria Cup on Saturday to lack of confidence.

Seguya said after the game that his team was capable of winning the fixture but the players lacked concentration, therefore, conceding early tries.

"The boys were nervous and it took them time to get out of the panic mode that is why we conceded the early tries," Seguya explained.

"We are going to work on the issue of confidence so that it does not happen again," the seemingly disappointed tactician added.

The Sables took a 19-0 lead courtesy of tries by skipper Hilton Mudariki and Brian Nyuade and two conversions by Mudariki.

Dominated by hard tackles and high pace, Uganda fought back and replied through four penalties by Philip Wokorach to take a 19-12 lead at the break. In the second, half Desire Ayera managed a try for Uganda and Wokorach added a conversion to level the score at 19-19.

This raised hope among the domestic fans that Uganda could win the game. Daudi Ssemwami scored a try but had stepped on the line after a high tackle by a Zimbabwean player. Referee victor Odour from Kenya cancelled the effort.

This again caused panic and demoralised Rugby Cranes who later conceded two quick tries and a conversion as the visitors stretched the lead to 31-19.

However, Ayera added a try and Wokorach a conversion as the match ended 31-26. The defeat ruled Uganda out of the Victoria Cup title contest and will play the next games in search of a good position.