Uganda crashed out of World Cup contention after Kenya beat them 32-24 at Namboole Stadium. The heartbreaking loss crushed the Rugby Cranes' dreams of reaching the 2027 tournament in Australia. Thousands of home fans watched their team battle hard but fall short against their biggest rivals. The defeat means Uganda can finish no higher than fifth place in the competition. Only the Rugby Africa Cup champion earns a direct ticket to the World Cup.
Kenya jumped ahead early and never looked back during the tense quarter-final clash. The Simbas scored first and built a commanding 12-0 lead before Uganda could respond. Aaron Ofoyworth sparked the fightback with a clever try late in the opening half. Philip Wokorach kicked the conversion to cut the gap to 12-7 at the break. The French-based fullback gave Uganda hope heading into the second period.
Kenya pulled away again after halftime and seemed to have the match under control. Two quick tries stretched their advantage and put pressure on the home team. Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot both scored late tries to keep Uganda in the hunt. Jone Kubu Tavaga sealed the victory with a crucial drop goal near the final whistle. Kenya advances to face defending champions Zimbabwe in the semi-finals.
The other top seeds all won their quarter-final matches without major problems. Zimbabwe demolished Morocco 43-8 in a one-sided affair. Namibia crushed Senegal 55-17 to book their semi-final spot. Algeria cruised past Ivory Coast 41-16 to complete the final four lineup.
Kenya jumped ahead early and never looked back during the tense quarter-final clash. The Simbas scored first and built a commanding 12-0 lead before Uganda could respond. Aaron Ofoyworth sparked the fightback with a clever try late in the opening half. Philip Wokorach kicked the conversion to cut the gap to 12-7 at the break. The French-based fullback gave Uganda hope heading into the second period.
Kenya pulled away again after halftime and seemed to have the match under control. Two quick tries stretched their advantage and put pressure on the home team. Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot both scored late tries to keep Uganda in the hunt. Jone Kubu Tavaga sealed the victory with a crucial drop goal near the final whistle. Kenya advances to face defending champions Zimbabwe in the semi-finals.
The other top seeds all won their quarter-final matches without major problems. Zimbabwe demolished Morocco 43-8 in a one-sided affair. Namibia crushed Senegal 55-17 to book their semi-final spot. Algeria cruised past Ivory Coast 41-16 to complete the final four lineup.
