By David Mwanje
The Kenya Simbas clinched a thrilling 32-24 victory against the Uganda Rugby Cranes at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium on July 8, 2025, securing their spot in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinals. This high-energy East African showdown, with a 2027 Rugby World Cup spot in Australia at stake, delivered fast-paced action, fierce tackles, and nail-biting moments that had fans roaring with excitement.
Kenya came out firing, with Griffin Chao darting through Uganda’s defense for a try in the 20th minute. Barry Young followed with another try, converted by Jone Kubu, to put the Simbas ahead 12-0. Uganda answered before halftime when Aaron Ofoyrwoth crossed the line, and Joseph Aredo’s conversion made it 12-7. In the second half, Young nailed a drop goal to extend Kenya’s lead. Captain George Nyambua then powered through after a dominant scrum for a third try, and Chao’s second try stretched the score to 29-10, quieting the Ugandan crowd. But the Cranes fought back fiercely. Philip Wokorach scored a try and converted it, narrowing the gap to 29-17. Moments later, Byron Oketayot’s clever chip-and-chase try brought Uganda within five points at 29-24. With tension soaring, Young’s crucial drop goal sealed the 32-24 win for Kenya, sparking wild celebrations.
Kenyan fans lit up X with joy. @ItsBilaso cheered, “Simbas win 32-24 against Uganda! We’re in the semifinals! #RACUG25”. @FanakaStudios posted, “Simbas roar loud to reach the semis! Amazing job! #RugbyKE”. @KBCChannel1 wrote, “Kenya Simbas beat Uganda and face Zimbabwe next! Let’s go! #KBCniYetu”. Ugandan fans showed pride despite the defeat. @UgandaRugby shared, “Cranes fall 24-32 to Kenya. Proud of the fight! #RACUG25”. @EdwinKyleKule noted, “Kenya 32-24 Uganda. Simbas move on, but Cranes showed heart”. @UgandaRugby posted captain Oketayot’s message: “Tough loss, but we’ll keep pushing forward”.
Kenya’s sharp tactics and speedy backline, led by Chao and Young, overwhelmed Uganda early. Their recent training camp in South Africa honed their skills, seen in their strong scrums and quick tries. However, sloppy tackling in the second half nearly cost them, as Uganda’s late surge exposed defensive gaps. For Uganda, Wokorach’s brilliance and the home crowd’s energy fueled their comeback, but early errors left them playing catch-up. Kenya now faces Zimbabwe in the semifinals, a critical step toward their World Cup dream. Uganda, meanwhile, will focus on placement matches, aiming to build on their gritty performance.
The Kenya-Uganda rivalry, sparked by the Elgon Cup in 2004, is one of Africa’s fiercest. Kenya leads with 27 wins in 43 matches, including a 42-7 thrashing in the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup and a 48-30 Elgon Cup sweep in 2024. Kenya’s best Rugby Africa Cup finish was second place in 2022, but they’ve yet to reach a World Cup. Uganda, also chasing their first World Cup appearance, took fifth in 2024, showing steady growth. This victory cements Kenya’s regional dominance, but Zimbabwe, fresh off a 43-8 win over Morocco, poses a massive challenge in their quest for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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