The Uganda Rugby Cranes have conceded a 20-22 defeat to Zimbabwe in their quest for a place in the semifinals in their opening game at the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup held at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole.

According to Fred Mudoola, the Head Coach of the Uganda Rugby Cranes, the Rugby Cranes fell to Zimbabwe 22-20, largely due to a poor start to the game that saw the hosts trail 22-00 in the first opening minutes.

In the tournament, which features eight teams, including Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, and Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe’s victory catapults the Sabals to the semifinals, where they are expected to battle with the defending champions Namibia on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Wankulukuku.

Meanwhile, Uganda will take on Burkina Faso in the classification semifinal on the same day. However, according to Mudoola, the Rugby Cranes need to avoid an eighth-place finish to stay in contention for a World Cup slot.

The Cranes are looking to secure their second Rugby Africa Cup title, having last won in 2007.

The last encounters between Uganda and Zimbabwe were during the 2019 Victoria Cup, where Zimbabwe triumphed 31-26 in Kampala and 32-26 in Harare.