The stakes were high and the crowd ecstatic. Many had dubbed the finals between Case Hospital and perennial contenders Hotel Africana, a one -sided final.
There were emotional moments as both teams, that gave their all during the qualifiers, lined up for the finals at the outside court of Gems Cambridge international school on Sunday.
Before a sizeable crowd that created an electric atmosphere, two elite teams, each having fought their way through earlier rounds, now faced off. Case Hospital, with a thin bench, were the underdogs.
Case Hospital defeated Centenary Bank enroute to the finals. CSN photo
Hotel Africana, the 2024 losing finalists to Manifest TV, buoyed by manager, James Baker, looked to go one better.
They were bridesmaids again, losing by 33-21 to a spirited Case Hospital.
In the third place play off, Centenary Bank defeated fellow bankers, Dfcu bank by 23 to 15 points.
Hotel Africana put up a spirited fight but fell short yet again
Enroute to the finals, Hotel Africana dispatched dfcu by 38 – 30 points, while Centenary Bank lost by 28- 20 against eventual winners Case Hospital.
The youthful Case Hospital, buoyed by captain and MVP, Lewis Kigongo, swept hearts of fans with a great display. They had a thin bench but put in a shift.
” We knew the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses inside out. We maintained a relentless pace and tightened the defence. I am glad that as the game went on, we clutched some three pointers,” Kigongo said.
At the final whistle, the Case Hospital team erupted in joy, hugging and celebrating, in the presence of the manager, Mr. Alex Sunday.
He said it was a sweet victory and consoled Hotel Africana who were graceful in defeat.
