Rugby Cranes Coach Pinpoints Key Issues in Africa Cup Loss to Kenya

Updated By Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1328 EAT on Friday 18 July 2025

Uganda Rugby Cranes head coach Fred Mudoola believes his team’s mentality played a major role in their 32–24 defeat to Kenya in the Africa Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday.

The loss, which took place at the Mandela National Stadium annexe pitch, means Uganda will now compete for fifth place in the tournament—falling short of their semifinal ambitions.

Mudoola pointed to a lackluster performance from the replacement pack, as well as underwhelming leadership from captain Byron Oketayot, as contributing factors. However, he emphasized that the team’s mental approach was the root of the problem.

“A lot went wrong that could have been avoided if our mindset had been right,” he said, expressing disappointment at the missed opportunity.

The Cranes began the match on a strong note, absorbing early pressure from the Kenya Simbas with disciplined defence. A well-placed clearing kick by Aaron Ofoywoth gave Uganda valuable territory and a chance to launch their own attack.

However, the early momentum was squandered when Pius Ogena chose to carry the ball himself instead of offloading to the unmarked Philip Wokorach and Claude Otema—missing a clear scoring opportunity. Minutes later, Wokorach was unable to convert a penalty kick, allowing Kenya to escape unpunished and regain control.

Uganda’s attack struggled in the opening quarter, hampered by frequent handling errors and penalties. Kenya took full advantage, opening the scoring with a try from Griffin Chao after a flowing move initiated by fly-half Barry Young.

The Simbas continued to exploit gaps in Uganda’s defence, extending their lead when Walter Okoth broke the line, setting up Young for a try under the posts.

The Rugby Cranes managed to pull one back just before halftime—thanks to quick thinking from Aaron Ofoywoth, whose sharp play led to Uganda’s first try. Philip Wokorach added the conversion to narrow the deficit. But Kenya had the final say of the half, with Young slotting a drop goal to maintain their advantage.

The introduction of Timothy Kisiga breathed new energy into Uganda’s attack, resulting in a penalty successfully converted by Philip Wokorach.

However, the subsequent substitutions—Blair Ayebazibwe and Saul Kivumbi entering the forward pack—were followed by a defensive scrum collapse that allowed Kenyan captain George Nyambua to break through and score.

Kenya swiftly capitalized on Uganda’s momentary disorganization, with Samuel Asati setting up Griffin Chao for another try under the posts, further extending the Simbas’ lead.

Uganda mounted a spirited fightback, sparked by Timothy Kisiga’s brilliant interception and 70-meter dash before being brought down just short of the try line. From the resulting phase, Philip Wokorach weaved through the Kenyan defence to score, keeping the Cranes within reach.

Buoyed by the momentum, Uganda continued to apply pressure. Wokorach again broke through the Kenyan defensive line, setting up a promising attack.

Despite a few questionable decisions from Liam Walker and Conrad Wanyama, Ian Munyani managed to find Adrian Kasito, whose well-placed grubber kick was gathered by captain Byron Oketayot for Uganda’s third try.

Despite Uganda’s late resurgence, a final drop goal from Barry Young sealed a 32–24 victory for Kenya, sending the Simbas into the Africa Cup semi-finals.

The Rugby Cranes will now look to equal their fifth-place finish from last year as they face Morocco in the placement semi-final on Sunday. Meanwhile, Kenya will meet Zimbabwe in the cup semi-final, with tournament favourites Namibia set to take on Algeria in the other last-four clash.

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