The Uganda Rugby Cranes scraped past Burkina Faso in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup to set a date with Senegal in the fifth-place playoff on Sunday.
In an error-strewn game, Uganda were able to wade off advances from rugby newbies Burkina Faso to win 25-15.
The Cranes fell a try behind as early as the 6th minute before Philip Wokorach put the hosts on the board with a penalty. Moments later, Uganda’s pressure was rewarded as winger Sembuusi completed a neat backline move to score Uganda’s first try. Philip Wokorach would add another try but Burkina Faso was just not going away, grabbing a second try of their own, to shrink Uganda’s lead at the half to 15-10.
The Rugby Cranes kept heaping the pressure in the second period and would be awarded a penalty try after several Burkinabe infringements in their red zone to extend Uganda’s lead to 22-15. Philip Wokorach would add a penalty later but just like the first half, Burkina Faso scored another try to bring the game to a nervy 25-15 ending.
With the win, Uganda are sure to take part in the Africa Cup in 2025, which will also be hosted in Kampala. Owing to the loss, Burkina Faso will lock horns with Cote d’Ivoire with the loser in that game to be demoted to the second tier of African rugby.
Elsewhere, noisy neighbors Kenya Simbas were outclassed by Algeria to advance to the final. The North Africans will battle Zimbabwe for the ultimate glory of the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup. Zimbabwe demolished defending Champions Namibia 32-10 in the last game of the day at Mandela National Stadium.
24th July 2024 Results
Fifth Place Semis
Senegal 25-08 Cote d’Ivoire
Burkina Faso 15-25 Uganda
Main Cup Semis
Kenya 12-20 Algeria
Namibia 10-32 Zimbabwe
Courtesy Photos
