Kenya’s national 15s rugby team, the Kenya Simbas, are now just two matches away from a historic maiden qualification for the Rugby World Cup after defeating Uganda 32–24 in a tense quarter-final clash of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup at Namboole Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday, July 8.
The Simbas rode on a combination of tactical discipline and physical dominance in the scrums to outwit the hosts, in what was the most tightly contested match of the tournament so far.
Coach Jerome Paarwater’s side delivered early dominance and a late surge that helped quell a spirited fightback by the Uganda Rugby Cranes. The match took place under sunny, pristine conditions in front of a charged home crowd, but Kenya held their nerve.
Early Advantage Sets Tone
After a cagey start, the Simbas broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, with Edward Mwaura crossing the whitewash. The conversion was missed, but Kenya continued to assert themselves, doubling their lead in the 35th minute when Barry Young muscled through to score under the posts. The subsequent conversion by Barry Robinson Young made it 12–0.
Uganda replied just before halftime through scrum-half Aaron Ofoyworth, with Philip Wokorach converting to cut Kenya’s lead to 12–7 going into the break.
Simbas’ Tactical Shift Pays Off
Early in the second half, Paarwater made key substitutions in the forward pack that rejuvenated Kenya’s physicality. This paid immediate dividends as Griffin Chao added another try, followed shortly by a maul that resulted in Kenya’s fourth try.
With the scoreline stretched to 29–10, the Simbas looked poised for a comfortable win. But Uganda mounted a fierce comeback through tries from Wokorach and captain Byron Oketayot, narrowing the gap to 29–24.
Kubu’s Drop Goal Seals Victory
Sensing the momentum shift, Kenya reverted to controlled possession and game management, culminating in a crucial drop goal by Fiji-born fullback Jone Kubu Tavaga that extended the lead to 32–24 and sealed the game.
What’s Next for the Simbas?
With the win, Kenya advances to the semifinals on Sunday, July 13, where they will face reigning champions Zimbabwe, who thrashed Morocco 43–8 in their quarter-final.
In the other half of the draw, Algeria, who eliminated Côte d’Ivoire 41–16, will take on Namibia, the seven-time World Cup participants who demolished Senegal 55–17.
The final will be played on Saturday, July 19.
Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup doubles as the continent’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The tournament winner earns a direct ticket to the World Cup, while the runner-up enters a repechage playoff against an Asian side.
With just 160 minutes of rugby separating Kenya from a historic appearance on rugby’s biggest stage, national focus now shifts to the semifinal showdown against Zimbabwe—arguably their biggest test yet.
