Ainembabazi: Friendly helped us fix our weaknesses

Uganda captain Catherine Ainembabazi believes the team’s pre-tournament friendly against Senegal laid the foundation for their 3-0 victory over the West Africans at the 2026 CAVB Women’s African Nations Championship in Nairobi.

Lady Volleyball Cranes.

Senegal Women National Volleyball team

The Lady Volleyball Cranes opened their Pool B campaign with a straight-sets win on Tuesday, beating Senegal 25-21, 25-15 and 25-16 in 72 minutes at Kasarani Arena.

Uganda had beaten Senegal 3-2 in the friendly, but Ainembabazi said that game was more important for what it taught them than the result.

“The friendly match we had with them really helped us because we didn’t know the people that we were going to play. After having that friendly match, we discovered where our weakness was and corrected it,” Ainembabazi said.

“Today, we overcame them 3-0 because we served them.”

Uganda had struggled with reception in the friendly, but the captain was pleased with how the team responded.

“Last time we were not receiving well, but today we have done everything the way we are supposed to do,” she said.

Senegal tested Uganda in the opening set, taking a 19-17 lead before the Lady Volleyball Cranes hit back with seven straight points to move 24-19 ahead. Senegal saved two set points, but Uganda eventually closed it 25-21.

The hosts then took control, winning the second set 25-15 before completing the sweep with a 25-16 victory in the third.

Joan Tushemereirwe led Uganda with 17 points, including 14 attacks and three blocks. Ainembabazi added eight points, while Jennifer Alungat and Scovia Alungat scored six each.

Uganda also had the edge in attack, blocks and serves, while Senegal gave away 28 points through errors.

The victory gives Uganda maximum points and an early boost in a group that also includes Burkina Faso and Egypt.

“This win gives us more confidence to wait for the other teams that we are going to play. I know this will push us to the next games,” Ainembabazi said.

Uganda face Burkina Faso at Ulinzi Complex on Wednesday at 11am before taking on 2023 finalists Egypt at Kasarani Arena on Thursday at 10am.

The championship winners will qualify directly for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, while the top three will qualify for the 2027 FIVB Women’s World Championship.