PROSCOVIA ALAKO SHINES, UGANDA VICTORIA PEARLS FALLS SHORT AGAINST DETERMINED DUTCH
Uganda Victoria Pearls lost to the Netherlands in the Emerging Nations Cup but showed potential with their best batting performance (111/6). They finished sixth overall.
The Uganda Victoria Pearls couldn't quite clinch a victory against the Netherlands, who were determined to win the Emerging Nations Cup.
Even though they lost, the Victoria Pearls can be proud of their best batting performance in the whole tournament. Uganda kept the same team lineup as before. The Dutch won the coin toss and chose to let Uganda bat first.
Esther Iloku was out quickly. Captain Janet Mbabazi seemed to be playing well, but she was unfortunately dismissed when a ball rolled onto her stumps. By the end of the power play, Uganda was at 26/2.
Proscovia Alako (34 not out) and Stephanie Nampiina (21) helped Uganda make good progress. Alako scored 19 runs in the last over, pushing the total to 111/6 in 20 overs.
During the chase, the Dutch team started aggressively. Kevin Amuge made a breakthrough in the first over but then allowed two boundaries.
Consy Aweko also took a wicket, but that was all the Victoria Pearls could manage. The Netherlands scored 51 during the power play, with Babette De Leede (17) and Sterre Kallis (32) putting pressure on the Ugandan bowlers.
Even with two more wickets falling, the Dutch secured the win in under 15 overs. This fifth win secured them a spot in the top four at the tournament.
The Victoria Pearls batted well, but it wasn't enough. They showed some promise, hinting at the team's potential. Alako displayed her hitting abilities, with especially strong ground strokes at the end.
Uganda ended the tournament with two wins and finished in sixth place, just ahead of the other two African teams. This shows they still have much to improve to catch up with the other teams.
This event happens every year, and when it returns in 2026, they should have learned from their mistakes and be ready to get more wins. The losses against the top teams showed them how much work they need to do to close the gap. A lot has been done with the team, but there's still more to do.
UGANDA NETBALL: SHE CRANES FOLLOW KENYA WIN WITH HUGE VICTORY OVER ZIMBABWE
The She Cranes secured a massive 60-38 victory over the Zimbabwe Gems, dominating after the first quarter tie. Uganda's second win sets up a clash with Namibia.
Uganda's She Cranes played a great game, beating Zimbabwe's Gems 60-38 in their second Africa Netball Cup match.
After a tied first quarter, the She Cranes took charge and won their second game in a row in Lilongwe, Malawi.
The first quarter was close, ending 12-12, which hinted at a tough match. But Uganda quickly turned things around and controlled the next three quarters.
After narrowly defeating Kenya 46-45 in their first game, the She Cranes began the second quarter by scoring off an early turnover to take a two-goal lead. They kept the pressure on the Gems, forcing three turnovers in four minutes, but Zimbabwe managed to stay close.
As halftime approached, defenders Gloria Aya and Shaffie Nalwanja made important intercepts, helping Uganda increase their lead to 26-20 at the half.
In the third quarter, Uganda really found their groove. The defence, with Shaffie, Aya, and Kadondi, was tough, causing many turnovers as Zimbabwe struggled with Uganda’s intensity. Lillian Achola's entry at wing attack brought speed and accuracy to the shooters, and the Gems had no answers.
Goal shooter Shadia Nassanga's accurate shots helped Uganda increase their lead, outscoring Zimbabwe by a large margin and entering the final quarter ahead 45-26.
In the final quarter, the She Cranes kept up their strong defence and smooth play. The Gems seemed overwhelmed and made more mistakes. Uganda could have won by an even bigger difference, but a slight lack of focus on offence in the last five minutes caused them to lose three centre passes. Even so, Nakitto's fresh energy on defence made sure Zimbabwe never caught up.
Uganda easily secured a 59-38 win, their second in two games.
The She Cranes will now rest before playing Namibia on Thursday to finish their group games.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s men’s team, The Rock, plays Zimbabwe tomorrow after beating Botswana 40-39 earlier today in their first match.
DONE DEAL: UGANDA CUBS STARS JAMES BOGERE & HAMZA SENGOOBA SIGN PRO CONTRACTS WITH DANISH LEADERS AGF
Ugandan youth stars James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba have signed their first long-term professional contracts, joining Danish Superliga leaders Aarhus GF's U19 team in February 2026.
James Bogere and Hamza Sengooba, two rising Ugandan soccer players, are moving up fast. They just signed their first pro contracts with Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF), a top club in Denmark.
Two teenage soccer players from Uganda are heading to Europe. Bogere James and Sengooba Hamza, both from El Cambio Soccer Academy and Masaka Sunshine Football Club, have signed transfer deals to play for Aarhus Gymnastikforening (AGF). AGF is currently in first place in the Danish league. El Cambio shared their excitement on social media, saying they're excited to see what the future holds for these young men.
Both players were part of the Uganda Cubs team that played in the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Bogere had some great moments, including scoring two goals during group play to help the team advance. He scored against Canada and France, and Uganda made it to the round of 32 before losing to Burkina Faso. Ssengooba, a defender, also played well during the tournament.
Bogere is now with the Uganda Cranes team, getting ready for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
About AGF Aarhus:
Full Name: Aarhus Gymnastikforening
Location: Aarhus, Denmark
Nicknames: De hviie (The Whites), Byens hold (The City’s Team)
Home Field: Ceres Park (Aarhus Stadium)
Men’s Team: Plays in the Danish Superliga, coached by Jakob Poulsen
Current Status: They’re leading the Danish Superliga with 40 points from 18 games (12 wins, 4 draws, 2 losses).
History: They’re one of the oldest clubs in Denmark and have won a lot of trophies.
With AGF doing so well in Denmark and these talented Ugandan players joining them, it will be interesting to see what happens with Bogere and Sengooba
Bogere James and Hamza Sengooba are joining AGF in Denmark during the next transfer window.