Hosts Uganda narrowly lost out to Zimbabwe in their nerve-racking Rugby Africa Cup opening clash at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole on Saturday, July 20.
The quarter-final, which aired live on NBS Sport, saw the Rugby Cranes attempt a heroic second-half comeback after trailing by 22 points in the first half, but ultimately fell short to the Sables by only 2 points.
Coming into the tournament, the Rugby Cranes were looking to win their second Rugby Africa Cup title since hosting the competition in 2007.
They however faced a daunting challenge against a Zimbabwean side with both historical and recent dominance.
The Sables had a 10-5 win record against Uganda and victories in their last three meetings, including a 32-26 win in the Victoria Cup at the Legends Rugby Club in August 2019.
Coaches of either side anticipated a physical matchup, and opted for a 6-2 split on the bench.
Experienced crum half Hilton Mudariki captained the squad for Zimbabwe, while the Uganda line-up featured captain Ivan Magomu, brothers Phillip Wokorach and Innocent Gwokto, Jones Kamiza and Paul Kalungi, who were making their debuts, among other players.
In the first-half of the game, Zimbabwe set the tone early. The Sables capitalised on early pressure and scored their first try within seven minutes and converted successfully to lead 7-0.
Another turnover led to a second try shortly after, although the conversion attempt was missed, extending their lead to 12-0.
Uganda struggled with ball management as Zimbabwe continued to dominate and a penalty conversion put Zimbabwe 15-0 ahead in the 38th minute.
Just before halftime, Zimbabwe’s relentless intensity resulted in another try, and with a successful conversion, they led 22-0 at the break.
Rugby Cranes coach Fred Mudoola made a number of changes going into the second half, and determined to turn the tide, Uganda launched a spirited comeback in the second half.
Philip Wokorach put the first points on the board for Uganda with a penalty conversion in the 43rd minute.
His pace and power soon led to Uganda’s first try of the game, which he also converted, narrowing the gap to 22-10 by the 47th minute.
Wokorach continued his impressive performance, converting another penalty to make it 22-13 in the 53rd minute.
The game reached its peak in the 69th minute when Philip Wokorach set up his brother Innocent Gwokto for a try, which was converted to bring the score to 22-20, and reigniting hope among the home fans with 11 minutes on the clock.
Despite the Rugby Cranes’ valiant efforts, Zimbabwe managed to hold on to their slim lead, and Wokorach, despite putting up a man of the match performance, missed a penalty in the latter minutes that would’ve secured victory for Uganda.
In other quarter-final results, holders Namibia triumphed over Burkina Faso 38-5, Kenya defeated Senegal 36-17, and Algeria edged Ivory Coast 32-12.
The Rugby Cranes will now face Burkina Faso in the 5th placement semifinal on Wednesday, July 24 at the Muteesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku.
The match, set to kick off at 12 pm, will be preceded by another placement game between Senegal and Ivory Coast at 10 am.
Following Uganda’s match, the semi-finals will continue with Kenya facing Algeria at 2 pm and Namibia taking on Zimbabwe at 4 pm. All games will be broadcast live on NBS Sport.
Photos by Isaac Muwanguzi
