Uganda Rugby Cranes emerged a better team after a 33:22 victory against Zambia Chipolopolo in the Victoria Cup game played Saturday at Kyadondo Rugby Club.

Uganda started with a slow pace which saw Saudi Semwani give the visitors an early lead with a try but Philip Wokorach propelled the Rugby Cranes after converting two penalties to narrow the gap to 6:7.

Justin Kimono, Ivan Magomu and Faraji Odugo picked tries for Uganda, while Semwani was also on the scoring end for Zambia again. Uganda took a 28-15 lead at half time.

Desire Ayera later scored another try for Uganda, while the visitors also fought back to get a try and a conversion in the second half.

Head coach Robert Seguya told Xinhua after the game that he is happy that his team got a win at home after losing to Kenya and Zimbabwe in Kampala. “This is hard earned victory and we should celebrate it,” said Seguya.

Uganda started the Victoria Cup campaign with a win away to Kenya before they lost to the same side on return in Kampala and followed with a 31-26 defeat to Zimbabwe last month.

The Victoria Cup is a tournament involving Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Zambia and they are playing a double round-robin system.