3rd African Games (Badminton – Women’s Finals):
Set 1: Uganda 23-21 Algeria
Set 2: Uganda 21-14 Algeria
Uganda won their first gold medal at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana on Sunday afternoon.
The gold came in badminton through the diligent pair of Husinah Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi at the Borteyman Multipurpose Sports Complex.
Uganda beat Algeria 2-0 (23-21 and ) amid a jubilant gallery during the multi-faceted final that played out in 33 intense minutes.
The great team chemistry between Mbabazi and Kobugabe paid off with an intense 23-21 victory during the first set which lasted a quarter of an hour.
With the opening set tied at 19-19, 20-20 and 21-each. Uganda finally secured the two crucial points to win 23-21.
The second set was more direct with Uganda at least two points clear throughout the duel.
The East African nation triumphed 21-14 to spark wild celebrations from the few Ugandan fans in the stands.
Meanwhile, the men’s doubles was won by the Algerian duo of Mammeri K. and Medel YS
The Algerians beat the Nigerian pair of Olofua and Ofeyoria 2-0 (21-06 and 21-15) in a 28-minute match.
Nigeria’s Opeyori defeated compatriot Olofua 2-1 (21-23, 21-17 and 21-15) to win the men’s singles gold.
Kobugabe settled for silver when she faced South Africa’s Johnita Scholtz in the women’s singles final later on Sunday
Algerian duo Mammeri K and Mammeri TV won mixed doubles gold over Egypt’s Elgamal H and Hany D 2-0 (21-11 and 21-15).
In addition to Badminton, Uganda has been represented by various sports such as athletics, football, cycling, weightlifting, judo, chess, table tennis and swimming.