KAMPALA, Uganda — Kenya secured a hard-fought 32-24 victory over perennial rivals Uganda, once again claiming bragging rights as the Simbas booked their place in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 on Tuesday, July 8. Their next challenge will be against Zimbabwe.
The Kenyan side started strongly in the first half against their East African counterparts, demonstrating varied attacking play and effectively utilizing wide channels.
This early dominance led to two crucial tries from winger Griffin Mwalukware and flyhalf Barry Robinson Young.
Uganda’s scrumhalf Aaron Ofoyrwoth managed to cross the try line in the first half, narrowing the deficit and igniting the passionate home crowd.
However, Kenya’s formidable forward pack maintained its physical superiority well into the second half, with captain and lock George Nyambua powering over from a powerful scrum before Mwalukware secured his second try of the match.
True to their renowned resilience, Uganda launched a spirited comeback from a challenging 22-10 position, capitalizing on Kenyan errors. Star fullback Phillip Wokorach and skipper Byron Oketayot both scored tries, bringing their team back into contention.
In other quarter-final action, Zimbabwe showcased a commanding performance. Their star flyhalf, Ian Prior, proved instrumental, orchestrating play with delightful vision and contributing 23 points through penalties and conversions.
Tries for the Sables came from fullback Tapiwa Mafura, wingers Edward Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe, and replacement back-row Dylan Utete, as the Southern Africans established a significant 16-5 lead at half-time despite difficult wet conditions.
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Meanwhile, Namibia delivered a comprehensive rout against their opponents, with Johan Retief, Jurgen Meyer, man-of-the-match Andre van Der Berg, Arman Combrinck, Andrew Kearns, and Adiran Booysen leading their dominant display.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup features eight of the continent’s premier rugby nations: Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the defending 2024 champions Zimbabwe.
This knockout tournament serves as the battleground for the coveted African spot at the Men’s Rugby World Cup, running from July 8 to July 19.
Upcoming fixtures include the 5th Place Final at 14:00, contested between the losers of Match 7 and Match 8, followed by the 3rd Place Final at 16:00, featuring the winners of Match 7 and Match 8.
