Zimbabwe eliminates hosts Uganda from Rugby Africa Cup 2024

By Agencies

KAMPALA: The Zimbabwe Sables defeated hosts Uganda Rugby Cranes 22-20 in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Rugby Africa Cup 2024.

Uganda had hoped to utilize the home advantage but failed to tame the visitors, as Zimbabwe started with an early try by Edward Sigauke, and Ian Prior made no mistakes in conversion to put the visitors ahead 7-0.

Zimbabwe continued to score and took a 22-0 lead at the break.

After the interval, Uganda’s coach Fred Mudoola brought in the fresh legs of Joseph Aredo for Jones Kamiza, while Alex Aturinda replaced Sydney Gongodyo.

The home side piled lots of pressure in the second half as Philip Wokorach scored a penalty.

Wokorach also added two more conversions, a penalty and a try for Uganda, but their efforts were not enough as they fell short and lost out.

“We are not happy that we only played well in the second half. It is a disappointing defeat in front of our home fans,” said coach Mudoola.

The reigning champions Namibia will now face Zimbabwe, while Kenya who saw off Senegal will confront Algeria in the semifinals.

Uganda will match up with Burkina Faso, while Senegal taking on Cote d’Ivoire in classification.

The final of the Rugby Africa Cup will take place on July 28.