Uganda plot another upset against Egypt

Uganda’s Agaaba spikes the ball against Egypt during the Women Volleyball World Championship Qualifiers at the MTN Arena Lugogo in 2013. Uganda won 3-0. PHOTO BY Ismail Kezaala

What you need to know:

Volleyball. Attackers Astreede Agaaba and Maureen Mwamula, middle blocker Saidat Nnungi and libero Flavia Nandawula, are the only survivors from the side that defeated Egypt two years ago

KAMPALA.

On October 19, 2013, Uganda registered their biggest volleyball win in history when the Lady Volleyball Cranes defeated Egypt 3-0 (25-18, 25-22, 25-20) in the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers held in Kampala.

As the two teams meet today in the Zone V All Africa Games Qualifiers, that result is still fresh in the memories of many Ugandans.
Local volleyball fans are now hoping that Josephine Nammanda-led side can repeat that feat.

“We are in a good position to put up a good fight and suffocate the Egyptians like we did two years ago,” Uganda’s attacker Astreede Agaaba said. “But that will depend on how we approach the game as a team.”

Added Agaaba: “They (Egypt) are a very strategic side with their service but we will make sure we don’t falter with our reception, which is one of our many strong areas as a team.” On the other hand, the Egyptians have ruled out vengeance and maintain that it’s only qualification that is on their minds. “We have since moved on from that fateful defeat. We are here to qualify and to achieve that, we need to win our matches including that against Uganda,” Egypt’s main attacker Aya El Shamy, told Daily Monitor on Monday.

“But Uganda is a good side, if what their club (Vision Volleyball Camp) showcased at the recently-concluded Africa Clubs Championship is anything to go by,” she added.

Attackers Agaaba and Maureen Mwamula, middle blocker Saidat Nnungi and libero Flavia Nandawula, are the only survivors from the side that defeated Egypt.
Kenya will play Ethiopia in their second fixture of the day at 7pm.

fixtures
PLAYING TODAY, LUGOGO
Uganda vs. Egypt-5pm
Kenya vs. Ethiopia-7pm
Entrance fees: Shs3000