Sande Bashaija
8 October 2008
Kampala — The Ugandan team at the Africa U-18 Championships needs more luck, maybe.
After a 77-38 loss to hosts Tunisia, the Ugandan girls looked like they were finally recording their first win only for simple errors to condemn them to a four-point loss against Benin on Monday.
Like in the opening game, Uganda took an early lead and were in command 15-13 at the end of first quarter. Hamza Nyabogo's girls stretched the advantage to 26-16 at the end of halftime and everything was working in Uganda's favour.
But with only one player on the bench, Uganda couldn't push any longer, Benin clawing back to level the game 32-all at the end of third quarter. Though Karungi Charlene came good with a team high 13 points, there was no joy for Uganda at the close of day after they were outscored 20-16 in the fourth and final session.
To make matters worse, Achieng Chantal (9) fouled out in the dying minutes yet Dorothy Kyamazima (8) had picked a slight injury. Yvonne Byanjeru scored nine while Halima Nabusiimba, the heroine against Tunisia with 11 points, could only manage six in the Benin encounter.
The Ugandans were though relieved to learn that influential Mariam Tamale was scheduled to join the team last night. Tamale, arguably the best player on the team, had stayed behind due to private problems but flew out yesterday morning.
Results
Kenya 57 -56 Nigeria
Benin 52 - 48 Uganda
Angola 28 -58 DR. Congo
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