The Uganda U-20 national rugby team secured promotion back to the Rugby Africa U20 Barthes Trophy Performance Division after completing a double over Zambia with a 27-12 victory in Tuesday’s second leg at Wankulukuku.
The result capped a dominant week for the hosts, who had thrashed Zambia 81-0 in Friday’s opening encounter but the second leg proved a much tougher examination. Zambia showed greater attacking intent and forcing Uganda to work for their points.
The Baby Cranes controlled much of the territory and possession but failed to capitalise on several opportunities. Sharif Tibo and Victor Agaba crossed the lines before centre Jacob Abaasa and lock Prince Kakaire secured the result the Baby Cranes needed.
Zambia were a vastly improved outfit from the first meeting, with their backs finding greater space and their attack causing Uganda problems. Kabwe Mulenga and Andrea Ngosa finished off promising moves to give the visitors a reward for their improved display.
Replace Tunisia
Promotion means Uganda replace Tunisia who were relegated to the First Division following a 38-12 defeat to Zimbabwe earlier in the day.
Kenya, meanwhile, were crowned champions after beating defending champions Namibia 33-14 in the Performance Division final. The victory earned Kenya Africa’s sole qualification spot for the World Rugby U20 Trophy, which is scheduled to take place in Chile.
Uganda’s captain Elijah Katinti acknowledged Zambia’s stronger performance while challenging his teammates to improve before stepping up a tier.
‘Zambia upped the challenge this time unlike in the first leg where we had it easier,’ Kantinti said. ‘They gave us a good game much as we got a shocker through that early quick try but we now have a responsibility to build on this as we go to a higher tier.’
Kantinti expects significantly tougher opposition in the Performance Division and believes Uganda must raise their standards accordingly.
The Baby Cranes won this tier on home soil in 2015 but their most recent Performance Division campaign in 2023 ended with a seventh-place finish and relegation at the hands of Zambia. This week’s two wins over the same opponents therefore provide a measure of redemption.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, finished third after recovering from their semi-final defeat to Kenya with a 38-12 victory over Tunisia. The result completed Tunisia’s relegation to the First Division.
Uganda will conclude the tournament with a Test match against Zimbabwe on Saturday at the same venue.
Results
Uganda 27-12 Zambia
Performance Division
Tunisia 12-38 Zimbabwe
Namibia 14-33 Kenya