Paris 2024: Lady Rugby Cranes fly high in Tunisia, set up semifinal berth with rivals Kenya

The Uganda Lady Rugby Cranes meant business at the ongoing Rugby Africa Women’s 7s at the Stade Olympique Mustapha Ben Jannet in Monastir, Tunisia.

The side got off to a great start with a 12-05 win over the hosts Tunisia on Saturday at 11 am, with Grace Auma scoring two tries and converting once, a performance head coach Charles Onen credited to teamwork.

“We started on a high note but lost focus a bit when Tunisia scored a try; however, the girls remained steadfast and managed to believe and push one another to win," Onen noted after the Tunisia victory.

Charles Onen’s charges returned to action at 2:06 pm against South Africa but unfortunately fell short, losing 19-00.

However, the Lady Cranes returned to winning ways during their final group game at 4:56 pm against Zimbabwe, coming out on top with a 22-00 triumph, making it their second win in the tournament.

Grace Auma continued with her form by touching down first before her teammates, Captain Peace Lekuru, Lydia Namabiro and Rahael Mufuwa, respectively.

Uganda will now face rivals Kenya on Sunday at 1:06pm in the semi finals while South Africa faces Zambia in the other semifinal.

The Lady Cranes finished fourth in last year’s tournament behind champions South Africa, Silver medalists Madagascar and bronze medalists Tunisia.

The overall winner will automatically qualify for the 2024 Olympics tournament.