NAIROBI, Kenya – Uganda outlasted Kenya, 9-8, in triple overtime on Saturday morning in Nairobi in the first-ever Africa Association of Lacrosse qualifier for the last spot at the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship.
The triple-overtime goal completed a stunning comeback for Uganda on Kenya’s home soil in front of an eager crowd. Kenya led 3-2 at the end of the first period, and Uganda never led the rest of the way until the ultimate sudden victory goal more than two hours later.
Kenya went on a four-goal run to close the first half, including a 3-0 second quarter, and led 6-2 at the break. After a long drought for both teams to start the third quarter, Uganda gained a foothold in the game with the first goal of the frame to cut the deficit to three.
Kenya responded with a goal in the frame but Uganda had halved the score by the time the period was over, trailing just 7-5 entering the fourth. Uganda cut it to one with the first goal of the quarter, but Kenya took an 8-6 lead to reinvigorate the crowd.
Uganda took advantage of two penalties and clawed within one a little over three minutes to play. Less than a minute later, Uganda tied the game for the first time since the first quarter and ultimately sent the game to overtime.
After over 25 minutes in real time, and two nerve-filled scoreless overtime periods, Uganda finally broke the deadlock and claimed a 9-8 win.
Uganda will appear in its third consecutive men’s world championship in San Diego.
