Kigali, Rwanda | August 9, 2026

Uganda’s Baby Cricket Cranes made a strong start to their ICC U19 Men’s World Cup Africa Division 2 Qualifier campaign, securing a convincing five-wicket victory over Nigeria U19 on Sunday at Gahanga B oval in Kigali.

Match Summary – Game 1

Nigeria U19: 176 all out in 45 overs
Uganda U19: 178/5 in 38.2 overs
Result: Uganda U19 won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Felix Ochan

Upcoming Fixture

Uganda U19 vs. Mozambique U19
Date: August 10, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM (EAT)
Venue: Gahanga B

Having assessed the conditions and the green Gahanga B wicket, Uganda won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid early dividends as the opening seamers made immediate inroads into the Nigerian top order.

Larry Elton Itaagi and Felix Ochan combined effectively with the new ball, putting Nigeria under early pressure and leaving them struggling to build momentum as they were 50/6 in 16 overs.

Unplayable: Felix Ochan was simply unplayable, running through Nigeria’s batting line-up and striking early with the first wicket. He swung the ball both ways and kept the batters under constant pressure

Nigeria was eventually bowled out for 176 in 45 overs.

Kenneth Boniface provided the main resistance with an impressive 97 off 107 balls, including nine fours and six sixes, while Okasha Isiyaku contributed 34 off 81 deliveries.

However, the rest of the Nigerian batting lineup struggled to establish meaningful partnerships.

Felix Ochan and Larry Elton Itaagi were the pick of Uganda’s bowlers, claiming three wickets each.

Early Celebration: The Baby Cricket Cranes picked up early wickets, leaving Nigeria’s batting line-up under pressure and rallying around their bowlers

Jackson Asiku and Hamid Munigwa picked up one wicket each, while disciplined fielding also played a key role, with captain Daniel Rubangakene involved in a run-out.

Chasing 177 for victory, Uganda made a steady recovery after losing early wickets of Devanshkumar Ritesh Patel for 6 and Abraiz Mir Ali for 7.

Samuel Ahaisibwe then anchored the chase with a composed 72 off 90 balls, striking 12 boundaries. He was well supported by Robert Owilli who contributed a patient 31 off 78 deliveries.

Calm and Composed: Samuel Ahaisibwe showed great composure, crafting a superb 72 off 90 balls to lay a solid foundation for the Baby Cricket Cranes’ successful chase

Jackson Asiku provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 17 off 14 balls, while Richard Sohera sealed the victory in style with an unbeaten 20 off just 12 deliveries, including four boundaries.

Uganda reached 178/5 in 38.2 overs to complete a five-wicket victory, finishing 11.4 overs ahead of the target.

Felix Ochan was named Player of the Match for his influential three-wicket haul and 4 maidens that built early pressure.

Reacting to the performance, Uganda Head Coach Grace Mutyagaba praised the team’s composure, while acknowledging a few fielding lapses.

“We had a few lapses in the field, but the boys showed good composure, especially with the bat. The most important thing was to make sure we won this opening game. We will keep our heads up, we will not undermine any opposition, and we are ready to embrace tomorrow’s challenge against Mozambique.”

The result gives the Baby Cricket Cranes an important boost as they continue their pursuit of a return to Africa Division 1 and, ultimately, another ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup appearance.

Uganda will return to action tomorrow against Mozambique at the same venue, Gahanga B oval looking to build on their winning start and maintain momentum in the qualification campaign.