Rugby
Andrew Oryada, Special to ESPN 6y

Uganda Cranes sink Morocco 40-29 in Gold Cup

Rugby

Uganda's Rugby Cranes defeated Morocco 40-29 on Saturday to pick their second Africa Gold Cup win as the continent's sides battle for a spot at the 2019 World Cup.

Coach John Duncan's team took a 30-7 half-time lead, before the North Africans fought back steadily.

However, they were ultimately unable to tame the Cranes' attacking line in a game played at the Kyadondo Rugby Ground.

Man of the Match Pius Ogena scored two tries for Uganda, while Micheal Okorach, Solomon Okia and the returning Ivan Magomu also scored.

Philip Wokorach was a consistent contributor with his conversions.

Morocco's Samir Inaoul, Houcine Aaurine and Mounaim Masha were among the scorers, while Naoufi El Kadri executed with the penalties and conversions.

"It was a very hard game because we played against a side that badly wanted to win," Okia told KweséESPN. "However, we were much fitter than them.

"We relaxed a little after the first half, and when Morocco scored some tries, we pushed harder to win the game."

Uganda's assistant coach Robert Seguya wanted more from his side despite the victory.

"I think the boys did not give 100 percent as they relaxed and failed in the second half giving Morocco space to score some tries," he began. "However, we are happy that we managed to pick up a second win before we battle Zimbabwe in the last game.:

Uganda lost their first two games to Namibia and arch-rivals Kenya before fighting back to beat Tunisia 67-12 last weekend.

"I am glad that we are now out of danger of facing relegation to the Silver Cup," added Seguya.

Morocco's Samir Jnaoul is keen for his side to bounce back with a win in their North African derby against Tunisia next weekend.

"We tried to push Uganda and win the game in the second half, but we made some mistakes and paid for that," he began. "We shall make sure we go all out in our last game against Tunisia."

Uganda will be hungry to complete the competition in style with another home win when they face Zimbabwe on Saturday in Kampala.

The winner between Namibia and Kenya on Saturday will directly qualify for the 2019 World Cup, while the second will advance to the repecharge competition in France.

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