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Uganda (in yellow) are in cruise mode (PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE)

Uganda (in yellow) are in cruise mode (PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE)

Having opened their campaign with a commanding performance against Burundi, head coach Shilla Omuriwe's side were made to work much harder by a resilient South Sudan team that pushed the hosts all the way in the second and third sets.

South Sudan arrived with several familiar faces to Ugandan volleyball fans, including former Sport-S opposite Michael Maguoung Mangon and KCCA setter Abraham Chol.

However, despite making a bright start, they struggled to maintain their intensity in the opening set as Uganda cruised to take the set quite comfortably (25-13).

The visitors responded strongly thereafter, passing better and blocking well on the net.

They stretched Uganda beyond the regulation 25 points in both the second and third sets, threatening to force the match into a fourth set.

Uganda, however, capitalised on South Sudan's inconsistent passing and remained composed in the crucial moments.

Omuriwe retained the starting line-up that defeated Burundi but introduced experienced opposite Daudi Okello for Muhammed Iga in the second set.

Okello's impact proved decisive, with the veteran attacker delivering key points late in the third set to help Uganda close out the contest and avoid an extended battle.

"I am glad we were able to hold on and not play another set," Omuriwe told Daily Monitor after the match.

Omuriwe’s charges will play four straight matches in four days without rest, while their opponents on Wednesday will have had a full day’s rest.

Earlier in the day, Burundi claimed their first victory of the qualifiers, defeating Tanzania 3-1 (25-19, 26-24, 26-28, 25-22).

Uganda will now turn their attention to Wednesday's highly anticipated clash against regional rivals Kenya in what is expected to be their toughest test of the tournament so far.

Match Day Two Results

Burundi 3-1 Tanzania (25-19, 26-24, 26-28, 25-22)

Uganda 3-0 South Sudan (25-13, 26-24, 29-27)

Upcoming Fixtures – Wednesday

Women

South Sudan vs Burundi, 4pm

Men

South Sudan vs Burundi, 6pm

Uganda vs Kenya, 8pm

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/other-sport/volleyball-cranes-defeat-south-sudan-to-maintain-perfect-start-5483056