Uganda’s hopes of reaching the 2027 Rugby World Cup were dashed on home turf after a narrow 32-24 loss to fierce rivals Kenya in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup quarter-finals at Namboole Stadium on Tuesday.
The Cranes, roared on by a passionate crowd, battled hard but couldn’t find enough answers to Kenya’s quick start and tactical edge.
Uganda now drops out of the race, with their best possible finish in this tournament being fifth place.
It was a tense, closely fought encounter—the tightest of all the quarter-finals.
The Simbas, who finished just one spot ahead of Uganda in last year’s tournament, showed early intent and took a 12-0 lead before the Cranes responded.
Scrumhalf Aaron Ofoyworth breathed life into Uganda’s charge with a clever try late in the first half. Star fullback Philip Wokorach, who plays his club rugby in France, converted to narrow the gap to 12-7 by halftime.
But Kenya’s experience and discipline showed in the second half.
A dominant showing from their forwards led to two quick tries that opened up a comfortable cushion.
Even though Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot touched down in the closing stages to give Uganda a fighting chance, it was too little too late.
The final blow came from Kenya’s Jone Kubu Tavaga, whose late drop goal sealed the result and a semi-final clash with reigning champions Zimbabwe.
Uganda looked ready to challenge for more but against a well-drilled Kenyan side, the small moments proved decisive.
Elsewhere, all top-ranked teams progressed as Zimbabwe hammered Morocco 43-8, Namibia crushed Senegal 55-17, and Algeria breezed past Ivory Coast 41-16.
Only the winner of the Rugby Africa Cup will qualify directly for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up heads into a last-chance repechage playoff against an Asian side.
