Celtic Cup
Today,5:30pm
Namibia v Zimbabwe
At 8pm
Wales v N. Ireland
At 10:30pm
Scotland v Uganda
The She Cranes step onto court today for what may be their defining clash of the Celtic Cup—an encounter with an in-form Scotland side that has already shaken up the tournament by defeating top-ranked Wales on the opening day. Victory for Uganda would keep their title ambitions firmly on track; anything less could reopen the contest.
Uganda enters this pivotal fixture riding a wave of confidence after dismantling Northern Ireland 72–46 in their second outing. But while the scoreline was emphatic, it was the manner of the win that underlined the team’s growing authority in this tournament.
Head coach Rashid Mubiru has taken an unconventional but courageous approach—rotating his entire squad across two consecutive matches. Every player has started, and the gamble has paid off with relentless, high-tempo netball. Even a sluggish opening that saw Northern Ireland stretch to a 5–1 lead failed to rattle the She Cranes. Instead, they tightened their structures, accelerated their transitions, and forced their opponents into rushed, uncomfortable play.
The midfield engine once again revolved around Margaret Baagala, who delivered a commanding performance that earned her another Player of the Match award. After being forced off earlier in the week due to a heavy fall, Baagala returned with unmistakable purpose breaking up play, dictating tempo, and lifting the team through crucial phases.
Christine Nakitto’s presence at goal keeper and Shaffie Nalwanja’s assured start in wing defence added much-needed calm at the back, ensuring that Mubiru’s sweeping changes did not compromise coherence. The She Cranes’ depth is becoming one of their biggest weapons.
Two wins from two matches place Uganda in a strong position, yet the path ahead is far from gentle. Scotland’s assertive start to their campaign has effectively turned today’s matchup into a potential title decider. With three games left, Uganda cannot afford a slip.
The She Cranes have cleared the early hurdles with conviction but now the real examination begins. Scotland awaits, and so does a clearer picture of just how far Uganda can go.
