After falling 0-22 to Zimbabwe in the first half, Uganda mounted a comeback in the second half but ultimately lost the match 20-22 in the Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinals on Saturday at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.
Zimbabwe’s performance featured two contrasting halves, yet it was sufficient to edge out Uganda 20-22.
In the first half, the Sables took a commanding 22-0 lead with tries from Edward Sigauke, Simba Siraha, and Brandon Mutsekenyedzi, along with two conversions and a penalty by Ian Prior.
Uganda mounted an impressive second-half comeback, largely driven by Philip Wokorach, who scored two penalties, a try, and set up another for Innocent Gwokto, bringing the score close.
Despite Uganda’s efforts, Zimbabwe managed to hold off the pressure in the final 10 minutes to secure their advancement.
In the other games (played at the same venue), Kenya defeated Senegal 37-17, reigning champions Namibia saw off Burkina Faso 38-5 while Ivory Coast lost 12-32 to Algeria.
The opening round of the tournament will be followed by classification matches. On Wednesday July 24, the semi-finals and placement semi-finals will take place at Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku. The winners in the opening round will play in the main cup semis and are the only ones eligible to lift the title while the losers while play only placement fixtures.
The tournament will wrap up with what promises to be an exciting finale at Namboole on Sunday, July 28 at 4pm, after the earlier matches for 7th, 5th, and 3rd place.
Namibia, who beat Kenya in last year’s final, have lifted the Rugby Africa Cup a record nine times, while South Africa have won three titles. Kenya and Morocco have also lifted the Cup twice, while Uganda and Zimbabwe have each won the Cup once.
Rugby Africa Cup Round One Results
Uganda 20-22 Zimbabwe
Ivory Coast 12-32 Algeria
Kenya 36-17 Senegal
Namibia 38-05 Burkina Faso
