Uganda Lady Cranes have made three changes to their squad ahead of their crucial second match against Madagascar in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, set to kick off 3:00 PM EAT this afternoon at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
Head coach Charles Onen has responded to Saturday’s tough opening 62-6 loss to South Africa by tweaking his starting XV aiming to bounce back and secure a win.
Peace Nemira earns a start at blindside flanker, while Phiona Nantongo comes in at hooker, replacing Joan Najjuma who drops out of the squad. In the replacements, Latifa Tiko is named on the bench, joining fellow impact options Christine Kokoi, Jeniffer Nakale, Mastula Namboozo, and Comfort Angayika.
The forwards pack features Doreen Sijali as loosehead prop, Phiona Nantongo hooker, Doreen Mbabazi at tighthead prop, with Proscovia Mukyala and Hellen Acanit in the second row.
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Nemira is joined in the back row by Suzan Adong who is the openside flanker and Angella Nanyonjo at number eight.
In the backs, Juliet Nandawula starts at scrum-half, linking up with fly-half Bushira Namutebi.
The wing duo includes Agnes Nakuya on the left wing and Janet Nandudu on right wing, while the midfield will be marshaled by Lydia Namabiro at inside centre and Grace Nabaggala at outside centre. Samiya Ayikoru continues at full-back.
Uganda Lady Cranes Squad vs Madagascar starting XV
1. Doreen Sijali
2. Phiona Nantongo
3. Doreen Mbabazi
4. Proscovia Mukyala
5. Hellen Acanit
6. Peace Nemira
7. Suzan Adong
8. Angella Nanyonjo
9. Juliet Nandawula
10. Bushira Namutebi
11. Agnes Nakuya
12. Lydia Namabiro
13. Grace Nabaggala
14. Janet Nandudu
15. Samiya Ayikoru
Replacements
Cabrine Kirabo
Tina Akello
Christine Kokoi
Latifa Tiko
Racheal Mufuwa
Jeniffer Nakale
Mastula Namboozo
Comfort Angayika
