KAMPALA, Uganda – Focus now shifts to match-day two of the exciting 2024 Rugby Africa Cup in Kampa Uganda, with two blockbuster semi-finals set to spice up Wednesday, July 24 at Mutesa II Stadium in Wankululukuku.
The first semi-final, between Kenya and Algeria, begins at 14:00 (Local Uganda Time) in what can be classified as the battle between the best of the east and the best of the north in terms of African Test rugby at the moment.
You could say Kenya start as the favourites, given their impressive history in this competition, but expect the gusty North Africans to come out all guns blazing in Kampala.
The Algerians were 32-12 victors over a determined Ivory Coast side in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Algeria play a blend of very interesting and unique rugby: a rugged and mobile forwards pack, as well as an explosive backline that pokes holes into the opposition’s defence.
But in Eastern African giants Kenya they come up against a very organised rugby team, a mean machine, capable on their day to sweep aside the best the continent has to offer.
And in their head coach Jerome Paarwater, the Kenyans have one of the best rugby brains on the continent. The South African tactician, who has previously coached his home province Western Province back home, is eager to guide the Simbas to the African title and end the dominance of Namibia.
Speaking of the Namibians, they will meet fellow Southern Africans Zimbabwe in the other semi-final, at 4pm.
Now, this is another epic one!
It’s a great rivalry that dates back to 1999 when Namibia – although interrupted by the Ivory Coast in 1995 – took over from Zimbabwe as Africa’s representative at the Africa Cup.
The Zimbabweans, nicknamed the Sables, had been the first African team at the first World Cup tournaments in 1987 and 1991.
Namibia are the defending African champions, and it is hard to see them loosen their firm grip on the title as yet.
Earlier in the day, two play-offs will be played by two sides that have also exhibited some enterprising rugby in this Africa Cup event.
At 10am Senegal will play Ivory Coast in a derby, a battle of two Francophone neighbours.
Burkina Faso then take on Uganda at midday.
The eight-team tournament is part of the Rugby Africa pathway towards the qualification for the 2027 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the first day of the much anticipated Africa Cup on Saturday, July 20 had been a beautiful advertisement for rugby on the continent, as the sport continues to lay claim as the fastest growing code in this part of the world.
Host Uganda had promised a tournament to remember, leading up to it, and boy oh boy, didn’t match-day one prove that indeed this proud nation knows how to host its visitors!
The icing on the cake on a day of exhilarating rugby was the last offering on the Saturday, pitting the hosts and Southern Africans Zimbabwe, in a match that has developed into quite a fierce rivalry over the past decade.
When the Sables raced to a 22-0 lead over Uganda in the first half – sending the strong and partisan Mandela National Stadium crowd into silence – one would have imagined that the Cranes were in for a thorough hiding.
Breakaway tries from debutant winger Eddie Sigauke and his fellow wide man Takudzwa Musingwini, as well as the veteran inside-centre Kudzi Mashawi’s own five-pointer, had the Zimbabweans smelling blood. 33-year-old flyhalf Ian Prior, also making his Test debut for the Sables, added on from the kicking tee.
But the Cranes aren’t pushovers, especially in front of their passionate faithful at home.
The clawed back with two of their own tries, and had Zimbabwe almost blowing it away in the end. 22-20 it ended, Zimbabwe kicking out to claim a nervy win after the hooter had been sounded.
“What a match, we indeed got out of jail. But it was a good game of rugby,” Zimbabwe’s scrumhalf and captain Hilton Mudariki said.
“Credit to Uganda for that second half performance. They took it to us. We gallantly fought to hold on.”
Earlier on, Zimbabwe’s fellow southerners Namibia, the defending champions, ran riot to blitz Madagascar 38-5. Kenya beat a battling Senegal 37-17 while Algeria defeated Ivory Coast 32-12.
Kenya meet Algeria while the Namibians take on Zimbabwe in the semi-finals on Wednesday, with the other sides going into play-offs.
The Rugby Africa Cup is a continental rugby unions tournament featuring the top eight countries across Africa. Participating nations include Zimbabwe, Algeria, Cote D’Ivoire, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Burkina Faso and host nation Uganda. All twelve matches will take place at the refurbished Mandela National Stadium and Mutesa II Wankulukuku Stadium in Uganda, from Saturday July 20 to Sunday July 28.
As Uganda continues to welcome the world for the Rugby Africa Cup, tickets are available to purchase through the Rugby Africa Cup Portal, (https://rugbyafricacup.ticket.ug) and MTN Uganda mobile money service (MOMO).
All matches are available for broadcasting on NBS Sport Uganda and DSTV Channel (377). In addition matches are available for free streaming on Rugby Africa Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RugbyAfrique) and Rugby Africa YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/RugbyAfrique).
To Purchase Tickets: https://rugbyafricacup.ticket.ug/
Match Day 1: Wednesday 24 July 2024
Senegal VS Cote d’Ivoire
Kick off 10:00 (Local Uganda Time)
Uganda VS Burkina Faso
Kick off 12:00 (Local Uganda Time)
Kenya VS Algeria
Kick off 14:00 (Local Uganda Time)
Zimbabwe VS Namibia
Kick off 16:00 (Local Uganda Time)
Written by Enock Muchingo
Media Contact:
Nicole Vervelde
Communications Advisor
nicole.vervelde@rugbyafrique.com
About Rugby Africa:
Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com) is the continental governing body of rugby in Africa and one of the regional associations under World Rugby. It unites all African countries that play rugby union, rugby sevens, and women’s rugby. Rugby Africa organizes various competitions, including the qualifying tournaments for the Rugby World Cup and the Africa Sevens, a qualifying competition for the Olympic Games. With 39 member unions, Rugby Africa is dedicated to promoting and developing rugby across the continent. World Rugby highlighted Ghana, Nigeria and Zambia as three of the six emerging nations experiencing strong growth in rugby.
