Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup were crushed on Tuesday after a hard-fought 32-24 defeat to rivals Kenya in the Rugby Africa Cup quarter-finals at Namboole Stadium. The Cranes, backed by a fervent home crowd, couldn’t overcome a clinical Simbas side, ending their tournament run and dropping them to a best possible fifth-place finish.
Kenya set the tone early, racing to a 12-0 lead with their sharp attacking play. Uganda’s scrumhalf Aaron Ofoyworth sparked a comeback with a smart try late in the first half, converted by star fullback Philip Wokorach, cutting the deficit to 12-7 at halftime.
Despite a spirited second-half effort, including tries from Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot, Kenya’s forwards dominated, scoring two quick tries to pull ahead. A late drop goal by Jone Kubu Tavaga sealed Kenya’s victory and a semi-final spot against defending champions Zimbabwe.
The tightest of the quarter-finals, Uganda’s loss highlighted their potential but exposed critical errors against a disciplined Kenyan outfit.
Elsewhere, Zimbabwe thrashed Morocco 43-8, Namibia overwhelmed Senegal 55-17, and Algeria defeated Ivory Coast 41-16. Only the Rugby Africa Cup winner will secure a direct spot at the 2027 World Cup in Australia, with the runner-up facing a repechage playoff.