2023 Netball World Cup: She Cranes set sights qon fifth place finish with win over Wales

Sarah Nakiyunga makes a pass during her World Cup debut against Wales

NETBALL 2023 Netball World Cup: She Cranes set sights qon fifth place finish with win over Wales

Clive Kyazze 11:22 - 02.08.2023

Uganda put up a convincing show as they defeated Wales 73-56 to keep their chances of finishing fifth at the 2023 Netball World Cup alive.

Head coach Fred Mugerwa handed reserve Sarah Nakiyunga her first World Cup start ahead of Norah Lunkuse who didn't make the team.

At the end of the first quarter Uganda led 15-12, Mary Nuba was 11/11 while Irene Eyaru was 4/4 with four assists, Margret Baagala added nine assists and Nakiyunga two.

As Uganda led 36-27 at the break, Nuba was 26/27, Eyaru 10/10, while Baagala added 10 assists but she was rested as Lilian Achola came in at center. This was the first time Baagala was rested since the competetion started.

Achola started the second half at centre, Shadia Nassanga came for Eyaru at goal attacker while Falidah Kadondi replaced Stellah Nanfuka at goalkeeper.

Uganda led 58-41 going into the last quarter, Nuba was 42/44, while Nakiyunga stepped up with her assists, she had 14, five below Baagala who returned for the final quarter. 

Viola Asingo also got her World Cup debut as she replaced Shaffie Nalwanje while Mary Nuba was rested for Haniisha Muhameed. 

And 73-56 it ended with Nassanga putting 12 points on the board and 12 assists, Baagala ended the game with 23 assists while Nakiyunga picked up 13.

Uganda will need to defeat South Africa on Thursday to seal the third place, that will book them a ticket with with the fourth placed team in Group E, which they must win to play for positions five and six.

How Uganda started

GS: Mary Nuba | GA: Irene Eyaru | WA: Sarah Nakiyunga | C: Margret Bagala | WD | Shaffie Nalwanje | GD: Christine Nakitto | GK: Haniisha Muhameed

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