Kenya Shatters Uganda's World Cup Dream in Tense Kampala Showdown

The air at Mandela National Stadium crackled with tension. Uganda, spurred by a roaring home crowd, had one goal — stay in the hunt for World Cup glory. But in a battle that will echo across East Africa for years, it was Kenya’s Simbas who roared louder, clawing out a nail-biting 32–24 win in the Rugby Africa Cup quarter-finals.

A Game of Two Halves — and One Ruthless Drop Goal

Kenya came out like a storm, charging into a 12–0 lead within minutes thanks to tries from Griffin Chao and Barry Young. The home crowd was stunned into silence — but not for long.

Uganda’s Aaron Ofoyrwoth sparked life into the Cranes with a determined try before halftime, and the stadium erupted as the score tightened to 12–7.

Then came the second half — a pendulum swing of rugby chaos.

Kenya pulled away again, with Young slotting a drop goal and captain George Nyambua storming over the line. At 29–10, most thought it was over.

But Uganda wasn’t done.

Cranes Soar... Almost

In a fierce 10-minute blitz, Uganda’s talisman Philip Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot sliced through Kenya’s defense to make it 29–24. The stadium shook. Kenya was rattled.

And then, silence.

With just seconds left and pressure mounting, Barry Young, ice in his veins, calmly stepped up and landed a perfect drop goal — dagger to the heart. Final score: Kenya 32 – Uganda 24.

Uganda’s Dream Shattered

The loss means Uganda’s World Cup journey ends here. They now shift to the placement bracket, facing Morocco next, with pride — not qualification — on the line.

Kenya Marches On

Kenya, meanwhile, moves into the semi-finals where they will face Zimbabwe on July 13. The Simbas have now won 27 of 43 matchups against their bitter East African rivals.

Post-Match Buzz

Barry Young (Kenya fly-half):

“Uganda pushed us to the edge. That drop goal? That was for Nairobi, and for every Simba fan back home.”

Byron Oketayot (Uganda captain):

“We gave it our all. This team doesn’t quit. We’ll be back — stronger.”

What’s Next?

Uganda vs Morocco – 5th-place playoff

Kenya vs Zimbabwe – Semi-final clash