DOMINANT VICTORIA PEARLS DEFEAT CANADA THANKS TO BRILLIANT KEVIN AMUGE
Uganda's Victoria Pearls thrashed Canada by 7 wickets in the 1st T20I. Kevin Amuge's 4/17 bowled Canada out for 67 before captain Janet Mbabazi's 37* guided the hosts to a dominant win in Lugogo.
Kevin Amuge in action - Photo Creator: PALACIO Fabrice
At Lugogo Cricket Oval on Monday, Uganda's Victoria Pearls easily defeated Canada by seven wickets in the first Twenty20 International of the Victoria Series.
After choosing to bowl after winning the toss, Uganda's bowlers put on a disciplined display, dismissing Canada for a mere 67 runs in 19.2 overs.
With an outstanding 4 for 17 and help from Immaculate Nakisuuyi (2 for 13), Kevin Amuge was the hero of the show. Sarah Akiteng and Naume Jane Amongin both claimed a wicket.
With opener Achini Perera getting 13 off 21 and captain Amarpal Kaur leading the scoring with 18 off 31 balls, Canada found it difficult to gain traction. Uganda's pressure and incisive fielding caused the rest of the squad to collapse.
The Victoria Pearls responded by easily chasing down the 68-point target. Nakisuuyi contributed a solid 15 off 16, but captain Janet Mbabazi took the lead with an undefeated 37 off 34 balls, hitting with assurance at a pace of 108.82. Despite taking a wicket apiece, Canada's bowlers Kaur, Vandana Mahajan, and Perera were unable to halt Uganda's momentum.
After the game, Amuge, who took four wickets and made two catches to win Player of the Match, was clearly upset. "I am overjoyed for my teammates and myself. She dedicated her medal to captain Mbabazi and the rest of the team for their encouragement and support, saying, "The team accomplished our strategy brilliantly."
During their East African tour, Canada views the series as a chance for development and visibility. Following the Uganda series, the visitors—who have only participated in 21 Twenty20 Internationals since 2019—will also play Tanzania.
Despite the defeat, Canadian captain Amarpal Kaur maintained his positive attitude. "We followed our plan when bowling, but we did not add good batting to support it," she remarked. "This surface is fantastic for batting, and we will try to do better in the following game."
The five-match series' second matchday kicks off tomorrow at 10 a.m. (EAT) at the same location.
UGANDA CUBS’ SPIRITED SHOW ENDS IN NARROW 3–2 PARAGUAY LOSS
The Uganda Cubs (U17) fell 3-2 to Paraguay in a thrilling Dubai friendly. Despite goals from James Bogere & Abubakali Walusimbi, a defensive error cost them. Coach Ssenyondo remains upbeat ahead of their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup.
Paraguay Edge Uganda Cubs 3–2 in Dubai - COURTESY/PHOTO
In Tuesday night's final international friendly match of the Dubai Youth Challenge Cup, the Uganda Cubs, Uganda's U17 national team, put up another valiant display but lost to Paraguay, a South American squad, 3–2.
The game was the final test for the Cubs before their historic 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup debut in Qatar. Once more, Brian Ssenyondo's charges displayed attacking promise, but defensive lapses undid their progress.
James Bogere, the young Ugandans' danger man, gave them the lead in the 24th minute. Bogere had previously scored against Venezuela and was continuing his excellent scoring record.
But Paraguay fought back, as Alan Ledesma equalised in the 40th minute from the penalty spot.
Almada Derlis gave the South Americans the lead with a well-executed goal four minutes later, guaranteeing Paraguay had a 2-1 lead at halftime.
After the half, Uganda returned with renewed vigour, applying pressure to Paraguay before Abubakali Walusimbi levelled the score in the 55th minute.
Despite the comeback, De Cavalho Mouricio took advantage of a defensive blunder to slide in the game-winning goal in the 71st minute, giving Paraguay the lead again.
After an encouraging 1-1 draw with Venezuela in their opening match, Uganda lost to Panama 2-1, marking their second loss in Dubai.
Following the match, head coach Brian Ssenyondo remained upbeat ahead of the World Cup and thanked his troops for the experience they received throughout the camp.
"I am grateful that this camp has taken place, and I would like to thank the Federation for this initiative as it has provided us with a realistic picture of what the World Cup will be like," Ssenyondo stated.
It means a lot because the teams we have faced are from the same area as our group rivals, Canada and Chile. The good news is that we have scored first in each of the three games, demonstrating our offensive ability. We need to get better at game management and defence. I think everything will be set up by the time we play our first game in Qatar.
At the forthcoming FIFA U17 World Cup, Uganda is grouped with Canada, Chile, and France in Group K. They will play their first match against Canada on November 5.
Even though the Cubs have lost all of their friendlies in Dubai, their performances have taught them important lessons and given them more self-assurance before their first appearance on the international scene.
LADY DOLPHINS TAKE CHARGE IN NBL FINALS, BEAT JAGUARS 2-1
JKL Lady Dolphins take a 2-1 NBL Finals lead after a dominant 77-59 win over JT Lady Jaguars. A strong fourth-quarter performance sealed the victory for the defending champions.
Flavia Oketcho rewinding the days, contributing 13 points while sinking 4 of 5 three-point field goals - COURTESY/PHOTO
The JT Lady Jaguars fell apart in the fourth quarter, giving the JKL Lady Dolphins a 2-1 lead in the National Basketball League playoffs.
At the Lugogo Indoor Arena on Tuesday, the JKL Lady Dolphins defeated the JT Lady Jaguars 77-59 in the NBL Finals.
Despite getting off to a strong start, the Kira-based team dropped their second straight game due to the Lady Dolphins' zonal defence.
The Lady Jaguars took a six-point (24–18) lead at the end of the first quarter after the Lady Dolphins' high pick and roll failed.
Becky Keren Longom came off the bench to strengthen the defence of the defending champions as the Lady Dolphins struggled to keep up with the Lady Jaguars' rapid transitional style.
The Lady Dolphins led by a slender margin of one point (36-35) at the half.
As the Lady Jaguars entered the final quarter trailing by one point (52–51), they improved their defence after coming out of the locker rooms.
The Lady Dolphins' experience and mindset provided them with the advantage in the last quarter as the Lady Jaguars struggled offensively and made poor decisions.
Sudi Ulanga, the coach of the Lady Jaguars, had to call a timeout because the team was ahead 8-0 going into the fourth quarter. However, the Jaguars trailed by 18 points and were only able to score eight points in spite of the team talk.
The Lady Dolphins' top scorers in double figures were Brenda Ekone (11 points), Evelyn Nakiyinji (12 points), Hope Akello (17 points), and Flavia Oketcho (13 points).
However, the only Lady Jaguars players to score in double figures were Rhoda Nagitta (15 points) and Shakirah Nanvubya (13 points).