2025 Rugby Africa Cup | 5th Place Playoff
- Uganda 12-24 Morocco
Uganda’s Rugby Cranes are staring down the barrel of relegation after a bruising 24–12 loss to Morocco’s Atlas Lions in the 5th Place Semifinal of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup on Sunday.
What was meant to be a shot at redemption turned into a harsh lesson in discipline and decision-making. Morocco punished Uganda’s errors with ruthless efficiency, dominating from the first whistle.
The Atlas Lions set the tone early, controlling territory and possession. Within 10 minutes, scrumhalf Theo Bachiri scored off a quick tap after Morocco overpowered Uganda in a scrum deep in their 5.
Moments later, Yascine Maamry capitalized on another quick tap, this time off Uganda’s own scrum feed for their second try. Naoufal El Kadri converted both for a 14–0 lead.
By halftime, Uganda looked lost. They had already lost three of eight lineouts, turned over scrums, and committed five handling errors in promising positions.
They also passed up five kickable penalties inside Morocco’s 22, choosing to chase tries, none of which came off.
Captain Byron Oketayot’s late leadership shift, including subbing off misfiring scrumhalf Conrad Wanyama, came far too late.
Uganda’s structure and voice on the field were missing, leaving senior players like Philip Wokorach and Joseph Aredo isolated and uncertain.
Though the Cranes scored two tries after the break, the outcome was never in doubt. Morocco maintained control and composure, sealing Uganda’s second straight tournament loss and with it, their top-five hopes.
Uganda now faces Ivory Coast, who lost to Senegal, in a do-or-die relegation clash.
Elsewhere, Namibia booked a place in the final with a 21–7 win over Kenya and will face Zimbabwe, who edged out the Simbas 29–23.
The final winner earns direct qualification to the next Rugby World Cup, while the runner-up enters a playoff against Asia’s best.
