Reigning champions National Cereals and Produce Board and Equity Bank lost their respective second matches in the ongoing East and Central Africa Handball Federation (ECHAF) Championships yesterday at Nyayo Stadium.
Cereals lost 33-31 to Uganda Peoples Defense Forces in Group ‘A’ while Equity fell 33-28 to Uganda Prisons in Group ‘B’ after leading 17-14 at half-time.
However, the Pool ‘A’ match lived up to its billing as NCPB trailed 15-14 at the breather. In the last half, both teams were competitive and despite the Millers taking a one-goal lead, the Ugandans piled pressure and went all the way.
“It was a hard-fought game. It wasn’t easy and the only difference is that we did not take our chances,” offered assistant coach Dan Eshikumo. “This group has very tough teams and we must win all our remaining matches if we are to top it,” he revealed.
Timothy Kirimi scored seven goals, Nicholas Okode had six, and Morgan Simiyu four for NCPB.
“Our strategy in this match was to counter the way they play. We go slow and fast depending on their pace and it worked,” said Patrick Ochira, the winners’ coach.
Ahononga Chester and Umar Tug scored seven each while Tibamwendu Vincent hit six for Uganda Peoples Defense Forces.
In the Pool ‘B’ match, Uganda Prisons came from behind to beat Equity Bank 33-28. “We still have two games to redeem ourselves,” noted bankers’ coach Peter Mwathi.
“We were given too many unnecessary two-minute suspensions which were not deserved and this contributed to our defeat."
Rashid Ingwela scored five goals and Simon Mutuku and Maxwell Munene four each. Gilbert Onok had 10 and Obur Jimmy seven.
In the women’s match, KDF complicated their chances of advancing after being forced to a 35-35 draw by Nkajja of Uganda in a tough Group A match. The soldiers led 21-20 at the breather and had Caren Lutengeya scoring 10 goals, Belinda Mulongo eight and Caroline Temko and Euphrasia Mukasia hit four apiece.
“We lost our opening game against champions Water Queens and needed to win today. But now we must wait for the result between the two teams,” said KDF captain Mukasia.
Leading the Ugandans' charge was Achora Lilian with eight goals and Bako Shakura (seven). Aber Priscilla had six and Abangiti Hilda five.
Rwanda Police easily clobbered Evergreen of Uganda 40-28 after a 21-11 halftime advantage in another Pool ‘B’ tie. Mbesutungwe Samuel notched 10 goals and Habimana Jean Baptiste and Uhumire Yves each managed seven. Nyanzi Shabib and Lamu Anthony pepped the Ugandans with seven and eight respectively.
