Uganda wins all group games, tops Day One standings.
Key players: Okeny, Etwau shine in dominant victories.
Strong defense: Clean sheets against Tunisia, Burkina Faso.
Awaiting quarterfinals, poised for knockout stage success.
Uganda’s Strong Start in Mauritius
The Uganda men’s 7s team showcased a dominant performance on the first day of the Rugby Africa Men’s 7s in Mauritius. Winning all three of their group games, the team has positioned itself at the top of the standings, setting the stage for a strong run in the knockout stages.
Resilient Comeback in Game One
Uganda’s journey began with a challenging match against Côte d’Ivoire. Despite a slow start, the Cranes managed to claw back from behind twice to secure a 22-17 victory. Captain Munyani led by example, scoring crucial tries alongside teammates Denis Etwau, Timothy Kisiga, and Philip Wokorach. This gritty comeback highlighted the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Dominant Display Against Tunisia
In their second game, Uganda delivered a commanding performance against Tunisia, winning 43-0. Speedsters Norbert Okeny and Denis Etwau were instrumental in this victory, with Okeny achieving a hat-trick and Etwau scoring twice. Alex Aturinda and Karim Arinaitwe also contributed to the scoreline, making it a thoroughly enjoyable game for the fans. This match showcased Uganda’s offensive prowess and their ability to dominate opponents with speed and precision.
Cruising Past Burkina Faso
The final game of the day saw Uganda continue their impressive form with a 29-0 win over Burkina Faso. Norbert Okeny once again stood out, scoring a brace, while Etwau, Kisiga, and Wokorach each added a try to the tally. This clean sheet victory underscored Uganda’s defensive strength and strategic discipline, allowing them to finish the day with a superior points difference of +77, the highest among all teams.
Uganda’s success on the first day can be attributed to several too;
- Team Cohesion and Leadership: The leadership of captain Munyani and the cohesion among players like Etwau, Kisiga, and Wokorach have been pivotal. Their ability to work together seamlessly has been a cornerstone of their success.
- Speed and Agility: The speedsters, particularly Norbert Okeny, have been unstoppable. Their quick runs and agility have left opponents struggling to keep up.
- Defensive Solidity: Keeping clean sheets against both Tunisia and Burkina Faso highlights the team’s robust defensive strategies. The ability to prevent opponents from scoring has given Uganda a significant advantage.
Looking Ahead to Day Two
With a superior points difference, Uganda topped the standings after Day One, followed by South Africa (+68) and Madagascar (+47). As the 2022 Africa Champions, Uganda is now awaiting the announcement of their quarterfinals opponent, with Côte d’Ivoire expected to be a tough challenge given their advancement as the ‘Best Third’ ranked team.
Coach Tolbert Onyango’s Influence
Coach Tolbert Onyango’s influence has been evident throughout the day. His tactical adjustments and motivational speeches, particularly after the first game’s narrow victory, have played a crucial role in the team’s performance. Onyango’s ability to keep the team focused and driven will be vital as they head into the knockout stages.
Key Players to Watch
- Norbert Okeny: Leading the scoring charts with four tries, Okeny’s speed and agility make him a constant threat to opponents.
- Denis Etwau: With three tries to his name, Etwau’s versatility and ability to find gaps in the defense have been crucial for Uganda’s attacking strategy.
- Philip Wokorach: His experience and consistency add a layer of stability to the team, making him a key player in both offensive and defensive plays.
