Defending champs Uganda beaten in Nairobi

By Reuben Olita in Nairobi

East African Military Games

Soccer

APR 1 Simba 0

Netball

Uganda 32 Tanzania 38

Kenya 114 Burundi 6

Saturday

Basketball: Uganda v Tanzania (3pm)

Netball:  Uganda v Rwanda

Handball: Uganda v Rwanda

UGANDA’s Defense Forces football team, suffered a painful 1-0 defeat to Rwanda in the second match of the East African Military Games at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Friday.

The goal that foiled Uganda’s bid to successfully defend their title came in the final minute of normal time through Charles Hakizimana.

Uganda dominated the match with former Kenya Premier League champions Sofapaka striker Musa Mudde keeping Rwanda’s defenders on their toes.

In the opening match on Thursday, Uganda surrendered a 2-0 lead to settle for a 2-2 draw against Kenya Premier League side Ulinzi Stars.

Uganda also had a disastrous afternoon when the netball team was beaten by Tanzania 38-32 in a thrilling match played at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kenya is on course to win the title after winning their third consecutive match. They beat Rwanda 77-20 on Thursday before hammering Burundi 114-6.

Uganda’s men handball team started the showcase on a promising note when they beat Tanzania 27-25 played at Nyayo National Stadium handball court.

Tanzania took a 3-0 lead before Uganda rallied to level 7-7 before taking a 10-7 lead with only 15 minutes on the clock.

Uganda also faltered in cross country which saw Kenya clinch both the men and women’s title.  Patrick Cherotwo was the best placed Ugandan in the men’s race won by Kenya’s Africa 5,000m champion, Mark Kiptoo.

The women’s event which was clinched by Sela Chepleting of Kenya with no Ugandan placed among the top 10. 

Jackline Sakilu from Tanzania spoiled Kenya’s party when she finished second in 27: 47.6.

The seventh edition of the championships saw no team except Kenya enter a team for the handball competition for women, thus forcing organizers to exclude it.

Action resumes on Friday with UDF taking on Tanzania. They will meet Rwanda in netball and handball.