Africa Gold Cup 2018
Uganda vs Tunisia
Legends Grounds, Kampala
Saturday, 04-08-2018 @03:00pm
KAMPALA – The Uganda Rugby Cranes face a must win tie against Tunisia on Saturday in the Africa Gold Cup 2018.
After losing the first two games to Namibia (06-55) and Kenya (22-38), John Duncan’s charges must collect maximum points this time round to stand a chance of at least making the Repechage competition as automatic qualification to the 2019 Rugby World cup looks less likely.
As part of preparations for the Tunisia game, Duncan has summoned his team of 22 players that will feature on Saturday.
The surprise omission has been Ivan Mangomu who performance against Kenya is allegedly the reason he has been dropped from the side.
The player must have handed the coaching staff more reason to be dropped for Saturday’s clash when he disobeyed them (coaching staff) and participated in the Coronations 7s for his club side Black Pirates.
After returning from San Francisco with the 7s team that played at the World Cup, all players supposed to play in the Gold Cup were ordered against playing in the Coronation tournament but Mangomu did otherwise. Michael Wokorach and Justin Kimono didn’t feature for their clubs Hima Cement Heathens and Betway Kobs respectively.
In Magomu’s absence, Robert Masendi has been handed the number 10 shirt and will partner Aaron Ofoyrwoth as the halfbacks on the day.
The other notable name missing on the list is Lawrence Ssebuliba who is still out with injury.
Ssebuliba sustained an injury as the Sevens team successfully qualified for the Rugby World cup in the USA last month.
Robert Masendi will be the only change made to the back line that played against Kenya.
Martial Tchumkam replaces Saul Kivumbi who started in Nairobi last month and will play alongside team captain Asuman Mugerwa and Paul Sekate at the front.
Robert Aziku returns to the starting team in the second row as Solomon Okia makes a return to the 15s fold but will only start from the bench.
After Tunisia, the Rugby Cranes will host Morocco on August 11th before finishing the qualification round with another home ties Zimbabwe on the 18th of the same month.
The 15s team that has been summoned to face Tunisia:
Forwards: Martial Tchumkam, Paul Ssekate, Asuman Mugerwa (C), Charles Uhuru, Robert Aziku, Byron Oketayot, Brian Asaba, Eliphaz Emong
Backs: Aaron Ofoiwroth, Robert Masendi, James Odong, Pius Ogena, Michael Wokorach, Justin Kimono (VC), Phillip Wokorach
Reserves: Tamale Joseph, Santos Ssenteza, Kimbowa Collins, Simon Olet, Mukama Arthur, Conrad Wanyama, Solomon Okia.
