Uganda out of All Africa Games after defeat to Ethiopia
Uganda’s Josephine Nammanda spikes against Ethiopia. Photo by I. Kezaala
What you need to know:
When Uganda take on Kenya tomorrow, they will only be playing for pride after losing two straight games.
Kampala- Uganda’s hopes of making the All Africa Games were blown away after Ethiopia beat the Lady Cranes 3-1 at Lugogo yesterday.
Uganda had earlier on Wednesday lost 3-0 to Egypt meaning they cannot finish among the top two in the ongoing Zone V All Africa Games qualifiers.
“I have no comment,” Uganda’s coach Bart Murting told Daily Monitor. “Why do you always choose a wrong time to talk to me. Please leave me alone,” he added.
Uganda stormed to a quick lead by winning the first set 25-18 but Ethiopia changed gear. Setter Winnie Nakabuubi and Adella Asimiire in turns looked clueless on court with poor decision-making as Ethiopia levelled the game with a 25-19 second set score. Ethiopia went on to claim the third set 25-17.
Ethiopia, who rarely attacked and only relied on their block for points, took advantage of Uganda’s poor net defence and court cover to clinch the fourth set 25-13.
“After seeing them (Uganda) play against Burundi and Egypt, I knew we could beat them. All I needed was to motivate my players and it worked,” said Ethiopia’s coach, Teshome Lenna.
