The She-Cranes delivered one of their finest performances of the year on Saturday, defeating fifth-ranked South Africa 58–54 in the second match of a three-game test series at the Lugogo Sports Complex in Kampala. The result levels the series at one apiece and sets up a mouth-watering decider on Tuesday.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru's side came out with intent from the opening whistle, with captain Irene Eyaru marshalling the mid-court with characteristic composure. It was the attacking combination of goal shooter Mary Nuba and goal attack Racheal Nanyonga that proved the difference, however, as the pair combined for 55 of Uganda's 58 goals. Nuba was near unstoppable in the circle, converting at an impressive 92 per cent from 38 attempts, while Nanyonga's movement and link play gave the Proteas defence headaches all afternoon.
South Africa's Proteas, who entered the series fresh from their own preparations for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney, fought hard to stay in the contest. The visitors held a slender one-goal lead at half-time, but Uganda's intensity in the third quarter — a period in which they outscored South Africa 17–11 — proved to be the turning point. Defender Mutesi Nassim was outstanding at goal keeper, claiming five intercepts across the match and disrupting South Africa's shooting rhythm at crucial moments.
The final quarter was a tense affair, with South Africa pulling within two goals midway through the period. But Sandra Nambirige steadied the ship from wing defence, producing a string of vital turnovers that allowed Uganda to close out the match with confidence. The crowd at Lugogo, which had been in full voice throughout, erupted as the final whistle confirmed the She-Cranes' victory.
"This is the standard we need to set as we look towards the World Cup," Mubiru said after the match. "South Africa are a top-five nation and to beat them at home gives us enormous confidence. The players showed great discipline and composure, particularly in that third quarter when we really took control."
Uganda, who are currently ranked sixth in the world and finished fifth at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, will be hoping that results like this can propel them towards a strong showing in Sydney next year. The series decider promises to be a fiercely competitive affair, with both nations keen to build momentum on the road to 2027.
