Uganda’s journey toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup came to a heartbreaking halt on Wednesday evening, as Kenya edged them 32–24 in a high-stakes quarterfinal clash of the Rugby Africa Cup at Namboole Stadium.
With thousands of fans creating a vibrant atmosphere, hopes were high for the Rugby Cranes to write history. But it was Kenya’s composure, clinical execution, and defensive steel that ultimately silenced the crowd and propelled them one step closer to World Cup qualification.
The hosts started brightly, dominating early territory and possession. But despite their aggression, they couldn’t turn pressure into points. Kenya weathered the storm and struck first with a well-timed try before capitalizing on Uganda’s defensive lapses to double their lead to 12–0.
Scrumhalf Aaron Ofoyrwoth offered Uganda a lifeline with a spirited try just before halftime, reducing the gap to 5–12. Yet Kenya controlled the second half with intelligent kicking and a strong set-piece game, slotting two penalties and adding a try to stretch their lead to 22–10.
Another Kenyan try pushed the score to 29–10, leaving Uganda with a mountain to climb. But the Cranes showed grit in the dying minutes. Tries from Michael Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot brought the score to 24–29, briefly reigniting belief among the home fans.
However, Kenya calmly put the game out of reach with a last-minute drop goal, ending Uganda’s campaign and advancing to the semifinals.
The Cranes will now shift focus to the fifth-place playoff, beginning with a consolation tie against Morocco on Saturday.
