The Uganda 7s team continued their impressive run in the Africa Men’s 7s tournament, securing their place in the 2025 Challenger Series. The Ugandan squad, already crowned champions, aimed to maintain their dominance in Mauritius and complete a double over South Africa.
Dominant Performance in the Final
Uganda faced South Africa in the final, a team they had previously defeated 12-0 in the semifinals last weekend. The Ugandans started strongly, landing an early try on the right side, showcasing their intent to dominate the match. Alex Aturinda further extended their lead by diving over at the left corner, giving Uganda a solid 10-0 advantage.
South Africa’s Response
South Africa’s Joubert Schoeman responded with a try, racing clear from his half. However, they missed the crucial conversion attempt, leaving the score at 10-5. Uganda quickly regained control when Dennis Etwau scored at the left corner, pushing the lead to 15-5.
Second-Half Surge
In the second half, South Africa came back stronger. Ricardo Duarttee scored, followed by another try from Sebastian Jobb, putting immense pressure on the Ugandan defense. However, Uganda’s resilience shone through as they won a penalty in South Africa’s zone. Aaron Ofoywroth’s pick at the back of the scrum saw him land the decisive winning try, sealing the victory for Uganda.
Results of Africa Men’s 7s 2nd Leg
Quarterfinals
- Mauritius 7-0 Tunisia
- South Africa 27-5 Burkina Faso
- Kenya Morans 7-10 Zimbabwe
- Uganda 32-0 Zambia
Semifinals
- Ninth Place Semifinals
- Nigeria vs Algeria
- Ivory Coast vs Mauritius
- Fifth Place Semifinals
- Tunisia vs Burkina Faso
- Kenya Morans vs Zambia
- Cup Semifinals
- Madagascar vs South Africa
- Zimbabwe Cheetahs vs Uganda
Final Matches
9th Place Final
- Nigeria 10-17 Ivory Coast
7th Place Final
- Tunisia 12-17 Zambia
5th Place Final
- Burkina Faso 21-12 Kenya Morans
3rd Place Final
- Madagascar 10-19 Zimbabwe
Cup Final
- South Africa vs Uganda
Uganda’s Road to Victory
Uganda’s journey to the final was marked by exceptional performances, including a dominant 32-0 win over Zambia in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they faced a tough challenge from the Zimbabwe Cheetahs but emerged victorious with a solid performance.
Key Players
Uganda’s success can be attributed to the standout performances of players like Alex Aturinda, Dennis Etwau, and Aaron Ofoywroth. Their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain defensive resilience was crucial in securing the championship.
Looking Ahead
With their place in the 2025 Challenger Series secured, Uganda 7s can now focus on preparing for the upcoming challenges. The team’s performance in Mauritius highlights their potential to compete at higher levels and their determination to make a mark on the international stage.
Conclusion
The Uganda 7s team’s triumph in the Africa Men’s 7s tournament is a testament to their hard work, skill, and determination. By defeating South Africa and maintaining their impressive run, they have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in African rugby. As they look forward to the 2025 Challenger Series, the future looks bright for Ugandan rugby
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