Zone V: Rwanda, Kenya triumph at handball event
What you need to know:
- This is the second time Uganda has lost a final to its neighbours on home soil. The first one coming in 2016 when Rwanda won by 38-32.
- Sheila Richardson, the president of the Uganda Handball Federation (UHF) blamed the loss to lack of experience.
ZONE V HANDBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Juniors
Rwanda 32-27 Uganda
Youth
Kenya 22-17 Ethiopia
KAMPALA. Old rivalries were renewed on Sunday when Uganda and Rwanda met in the finals of the Africa Zone V Handball Tournament at Namboole.
The two sides had earlier on exchanged pleasantries in the opening match where a last-minute goal gave Rwanda a narrow 30-29 win.
That results left the hosts yearning another bite at the cherry which they got when the two sides qualified for the junior category finals.
Uganda earned their place after cruising past Ethiopia by 35 - 21 whereas Rwanda defeated Kenya 31-20.
In the first half of the final, Rwanda dominated proceedings with a nine-point lead which coach Jimmy Orotin believes was the nail in the coffin.
“We started off on a low note and we were a little bit nervous. We also had some defensive challenges, which gave Rwanda the advantage,” said Orotin.
In the second half, Uganda tried to salvage a comeback but it was all in vain because the Rwandans had already tightened the grip on their lead.
This is the second time Uganda has lost a final to its neighbours on home soil. The first one coming in 2016 when Rwanda won by 38-32.
Sheila Richardson, the president of the Uganda Handball Federation (UHF) blamed the loss to lack of experience.
She said; “Rwandans are more experienced. They boast of their continental exposure and depth in attack. Last year they played in the continental championships in Senegal and in the Africa youth tournament this year in April.”
Meanwhile Kenya beat Ethiopia to lift they youth category of the meet.
