Africa 7s
Uganda Rugby Sevens team looked destined to sail to the finals of this year's Africa 7s but dismally collapsed in the second half of the semi-final to lose to Zimbabwe.
The two time Africa champions were cruising 19-0 at the half following Michael Wokorach, Isaac Massa and Ian Munyani's tries in the first seven minutes. The second half would however turn out totally different.
First, the Cranes were reduced to six after Aaron Ofoyrwoth got a second yellow and left the game. Hell broke loose. Zimbabwe used their numerical advantage to turn things round and force extra time with a last gasp converted try that levelled matters.
Uganda were still in it after Philip Wokorach made a try saving tackle that took a Zimbabwe player into touch to give the Cranes possession. Philip opted for a quick start deep in the Ugandan half and it turned out to be a bad idea.
Harunah Muhammad knocked the ball forward and Zimbabwe scored thereafter to erase Uganda's hopes of winning the cup for a third year running.
The Cranes didn't hide their disappointment as they dropped to their knees in disbelief. Team captain Michael Wokorach says the side definitely had bigger dreams and would not celebrate finishing third.
"We are very disappointed of course," Wokorach told this site after the team's return. "It was a tough one and we are definitely not okay with being third," the skipper added.
It could have been worse for the Cranes though. The team needed and extra time try from Betway Kobs back Adrian Kasito to shrug off Madagascar in the third place playoff.
Madagascar looked destined to stun Tolbert Onyango's charges but Justin Kimono scored late to force extra time.
"We messed up in the semi-final. The red card messed us up but well we could still win," Kasito says.
After finishing third, Uganda will miss out on invites to the opening two rounds of the HSBC World Series in Dubai and Cape Town.
They will, however, join Zimbabwe in Hong Kong next year in search of core status in the World Series.
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Results
Group B
Uganda 45-00 Ghana
Uganda 31-00 Senegal
Cup Quarters
Uganda 14-10 Tunisia
Cup semis
Uganda 19-24 Zimbabwe
Third place playoff
Uganda 24-19 Madagascar
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