Simbas edge Cranes in thriller, keep World Cup dream alive
cranes and simba in action at namboole
The Kenya Simbas kept their 2027 Rugby World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 32–24 victory over rivals Uganda Rugby Cranes in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup, played Tuesday afternoon at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole.
In a fiercely contested match brimming with intensity and national pride, it was Kenya who struck first in the 20th minute. Captain George Nyambua orchestrated a slick attacking move that ended with Griffin Chao sidestepping two defenders to score the opening try. The conversion drifted wide.
Kenya’s momentum carried on into the 34th minute when Barry Robson Young crossed the whitewash following a brilliant setup by Jone Kubu, who drew in three defenders before delivering a timely offload for an easy finish.
Uganda responded just before the break, with Aaron Ofoyrwoth making the most of a well-executed line-out to touch down. The successful conversion narrowed the deficit, sending the teams into halftime with Kenya holding a narrow 12–7 lead.
The second half opened with added tension. Kenya suffered a blow when Patrick Sabatia was forced off with a head injury, replaced by Ernest Obat Kuke. Uganda capitalized on the disruption, slotting a penalty to make it 12–10.
But the Simbas showed their composure under pressure. Around the hour mark, Nyambua crashed over from a maul for a crucial converted try, restoring daylight between the sides. Minutes later, Griffin Chao lit up the stadium again, racing down the flank to score his second try of the afternoon, pushing Kenya further ahead.
Uganda, backed by a lively home crowd, refused to back down. Philip Wokorai finished off a fluid attacking move, and Byron Oketayot added another try after latching onto a clever kick from Adrian Kisito, who had outpaced Kenya’s Samuel Asati.
With the scores tight and time running out, Barry Young stepped up to seal the win for the Simbas. His composed drop goal in the dying minutes extended the score to 32-24, putting the game definitively beyond Uganda’s reach
Kenya’s passage to the final four was secured through tactical discipline, attacking flair, and standout individual performances, particularly from the influential Griffin Chao, the decisive Barry Young, and captain George Nyambua.
Kenya now looks ahead to the semi-finals with renewed belief, as they continue their pursuit of a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
