Kenya Simbas Edge Closer to Rugby World Cup After Uganda Win

The Kenya Simbas have moved a significant step closer to making history after defeating long-time rivals Uganda 32-24 in a fiercely contested Rugby Africa Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, 8 July 2025.

Held at the iconic Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, the intense East African derby was brimming with energy, passion, and high stakes as both teams battled for a coveted spot in the semi-finals—and a potential ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Dominance and Early Leads

The Simbas, who had been sharpening their skills through a rigorous training camp in South Africa, wasted no time asserting their dominance.

After an early disallowed try that hinted at their attacking intent, winger Griffin Chao finally broke the deadlock in the 20th minute, darting over the line on the left wing to score the opening try.

Just moments later, captain George Nyambua spearheaded a sweeping attacking move that saw Barry Young slice through Uganda’s defence with a dazzling run for Kenya’s second try. Jone Kubu calmly added the extras, pushing the score to a commanding 12-0.

Uganda, however, responded with determination and resilience. Just before halftime, Aaron Ofoyrwoth crossed the try line for the home side, with Philip Wokorach successfully converting to narrow the gap to a more manageable 12-7 heading into the break.

Clash between kenya Simbas and Uganda // Instagram

A Nail-Biting Second Half

The second half saw both sides raise the tempo considerably, transforming the match into a true nail-biting contest.

Kenya extended their lead through a well-taken penalty, demonstrating their proficiency from the boot.

But Uganda remained firmly in the fight, with Wokorach adding another successful conversion to keep the scoreboard ticking and maintain the pressure.

The Simbas then found another gear, with Nyambua powering over for Kenya’s third try, a crucial score that underlined his leadership.

This was quickly followed by a second dazzling effort from Chao, who once again showcased his pace and agility, pushing the Simbas further ahead at 29-10.

However, the home side, urged on by their passionate supporters, refused to surrender. In a dramatic final ten minutes, Uganda launched a furious comeback.

They clawed back with two quick tries, first from the ever-dangerous Wokorach and then from Adrian Kasito, rapidly closing the deficit to a tense 29-24.

The momentum appeared to be swinging dangerously towards Uganda, setting up a truly nerve-wracking finale.

Game-Clinching Drop Goal

With just three minutes left on the clock and the pressure mounting, Barry Young stepped up for Kenya in the 77th minute.

He calmly slotted a crucial drop goal, a moment of sheer composure under intense pressure, to seal Kenya’s hard-fought 32-24 victory. This decisive kick diffused Uganda's late surge and secured the win for the Simbas.

The hard-earned triumph propels Kenya into the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup, where they are set to face Zimbabwe on 13 July.

Zimbabwe secured their own spot after a determined 28-20 triumph over Morocco in their quarter-final clash.

The stakes are incredibly high: the ultimate winner of the Rugby Africa Cup will qualify directly for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the runner-up will earn a valuable second chance by entering a global repechage playoff.