Rugby Africa Cup/ World Cup Qualifier
Results
Uganda 24 Kenya 32
Zimbabwe 43 Morocco 8
Algeria 41 Cote D’Ivoire 6
Namibia 55 Senegal 17
Uganda’s hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday after a 24–32 defeat to Kenya at a packed Namboole Stadium.
The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for home fans who had turned up in large numbers, expecting the Rugby Cranes to secure a historic win. But it was Kenya who showed greater composure, clinical finishing, and defensive discipline to advance in the Rugby Africa Cup.
Uganda started aggressively, dominating possession in the early minutes and pushing hard for a breakthrough. However, Kenya’s defence stood firm and soon turned the tide with a quick try to take a 5–0 lead.
Kenya doubled their advantage to 12–0, capitalising on Uganda’s missed tackles and unforced errors. The Cranes responded through a moment of brilliance from Aaron Ofoyrwoth, who scored a crucial try just before halftime to narrow the deficit to 5–12.
Kenyan fans came in droves
The second half, however, belonged to Kenya. The visitors stepped up their game with smart territorial play and clinical kicking, punishing Uganda with two penalties and a well-worked try to extend the lead to 22–10.
Cheerleaders take to the pitch
A third try pushed Kenya further ahead at 29–10, and with just over 13 minutes remaining, Uganda’s World Cup dreams looked all but over. Yet the Cranes mounted a late rally—tries from Michael Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot brought the score to 24–29, reigniting hope in the stadium.
But that hope was dashed when Kenya slotted in a drop goal in the final minute, sealing
a 32–24 victory and sending Uganda out of contention for a World Cup slot.
Uganda will now compete in the fifth-place playoff bracket, beginning with a match against Morocco on Saturday.