Uganda Kobs hold Cameroon
UGANDA junior side Kobs thrived on good teamwork and support of fans that spurred them to hold Cameroon to a goalless draw Monday in their first All Africa Games encounter at Maxaquanne Stadium in Maputo.
By Norman Katende in Maputo
UGANDA junior side Kobs thrived on good teamwork and support of fans that spurred them to hold Cameroon to a goalless draw Monday in their first All Africa Games encounter at Maxaquanne Stadium in Maputo.
George Ssimwogerere’s charges started on the back foot early on, but a disciplined midfield marshalled by Captain Owen Kasule, and a defence that had Ivan Bukenya and Habib Kavuma stood tall to thwart the West African giants.
And when Cameroon charges managed to fashion some chances, Rusell Ngonuo and Stephanie Namedji could only draw blanks. Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara also had to make a couple of brilliant saves to keep the Cameroonians at bay.
Despite the numerous Cameroon supporters, Uganda’s netball contingent and state sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi cheered the team on, as Cameroon huffed and puffed but couldn’t muster a breakthrough.
Kobs now have to beat Senegal to qualify and avoid any mathematics. Cameroon faces Senegal in the last group tie to decide who takes one of semifinal slots.
“We have only trained once due to a shortage of grounds. But we will now have to start using this ground for our training. The boys muscles were stiff,†explained coach George Ssemwogerere after the match.
UGANDA junior side Kobs thrived on good teamwork and support of fans that spurred them to hold Cameroon to a goalless draw Monday in their first All Africa Games encounter at Maxaquanne Stadium in Maputo.
George Ssimwogerere’s charges started on the back foot early on, but a disciplined midfield marshalled by Captain Owen Kasule, and a defence that had Ivan Bukenya and Habib Kavuma stood tall to thwart the West African giants.
And when Cameroon charges managed to fashion some chances, Rusell Ngonuo and Stephanie Namedji could only draw blanks. Goalkeeper Robert Odongkara also had to make a couple of brilliant saves to keep the Cameroonians at bay.
Despite the numerous Cameroon supporters, Uganda’s netball contingent and state sports minister Charles Bakkabulindi cheered the team on, as Cameroon huffed and puffed but couldn’t muster a breakthrough.
Kobs now have to beat Senegal to qualify and avoid any mathematics. Cameroon faces Senegal in the last group tie to decide who takes one of semifinal slots.
“We have only trained once due to a shortage of grounds. But we will now have to start using this ground for our training. The boys muscles were stiff,†explained coach George Ssemwogerere after the match.