Uganda falls to Kenya in Rugby World Cup qualifier

PIC: Uganda Cranes' fullback Philip Wokorach is tackled by Kenya's centre, Peter Kilonzo during the Saturday qualifier.  (AFP)

RUGBY

NAIROBI - Kenya won their third Rugby World Cup qualifier when they beat regional rivals Uganda 38-22 in Nairobi on Saturday.

Fly-half Darwin Mukidza converted all five of Kenya's tries to give the hosts the edge over a Uganda side which are yet to win a game in the race to the 2019 World Cup in Japan.

It was Kenya who started the brighter when winger Jacob Ojee opened the score with an eighth minute try.

Uganda worked their way into the game when Ivan Masomu unleashed the speedy Philip Wokorach, who side-stepped the lethargic Kenyan defence before touching down near the posts.

The hosts hit back with three tries from skipper Davis Chenge, Samson Onsomu, and ormer Sevens international Felix Ayange, on his test debut to close the first half 28-5.

Uganda started the second half with a new-found purpose and were gifted with their second try from Ivan Magoma.

The visitors further took full opportunity of a weakened Kenyan side after lock Andrew Chogo was sent off to add two tries before replacement Moses Amusala sealed the game for the hosts with a last-gasp try.