By 
Quarter Final Results
Zimbabwe 43:8 Morrocco
Algeria 41:6 Cote’Divore
Namibia 55:17 Senegal
Uganda 24: 32 Kenya
At the ongoing Rugby Africa Cup at Namboole Stadium, Uganda’s Rugby Cranes were knocked out of semifinal contention after a 32-24 defeat to the Kenya Simbas in a hard-fought encounter.
The match started with high intensity as both sides tested each other in the opening minutes.
Uganda nearly took the lead early on when Adrian Kasito latched onto a long ball from Ian Arnold Munyani, outjumping Jonny Kubu to touch down.
However, the try was ruled out, and the resulting penalty was missed by Philip Wokorach—an early warning sign of missed opportunities for the hosts.
Kenya, missing their star try-scorer Beldad Ogeta due to injury, struck first in the 21st minute.
Uganda’s defense faltered as Ivan Claude Otema missed back-to-back tackles, and Aaron Afwonyiroth couldn’t cover in time.
Griffin Chao took full advantage, landing the first try.
The conversion, however, was missed.
Kenya doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Barry Young powered through to score under the posts, though the conversion was again missed.
Uganda responded just before halftime as Aaron Afwonyiroth broke through and set up Wokorach, who scored and converted to bring the score to 12-7 at the break.
The second half began with Kenya’s Barry Young sneaking in a drop goal to extend their lead.
Uganda had chances, including a penalty kick that went wide, before finally scoring through Wokorach following a Kenyan handling error.
However, a front-row substitution in the 60th minute proved costly for Uganda.
Kenya capitalized on a scrum turnover to score another try, which was successfully converted.
Griffin Chao added a second try in the 66th minute, further extending Kenya’s lead.
Uganda showed resilience, with Timothy Kisiga intercepting and launching a quick counterattack supported by Wokorach, who scored and converted to keep hopes alive.
In the 70th minute, Kasito’s kick-and-chase allowed captain Byron Oketayot to touch down, with the conversion narrowing the gap.
But Kenya sealed the win with Barry Young’s second drop goal and a final penalty kick, closing the match at 32-24.
The Simbas now advance to the semifinals to face defending champions Zimbabwe, while Algeria will take on Namibia in the other semifinal.
Costly scrum turnovers and missed kicks ended Uganda’s semifinal hopes.
The Rugby Cranes will now compete in the placement matches.
