The race for a place in the Africa Continental Cup final is beginning to take shape, with Kenya and Uganda emerging as the big winners on Tuesday. Kenya dealt another blow to hosts Rwanda’s hopes with a 32-run victory at the main oval of Gahanga Cricket Stadium, while Uganda made light work of Sierra Leone, cruising to an eight-wicket win. The results strengthened the two sides’ positions as the tournament enters its decisive stage, with Kenya and Uganda now well placed to meet in the final. ALSO READ: Khan lifts Rwanda back into ILT20 Continent Cup contention Kenya showed why they remain among the teams to beat after posting 189/4 following their decision to bat first. Their innings was anchored by Rakep Patel, who made a composed 57 off 48 balls, before Sukhdeep Singh provided the late fireworks. Sukhdeep needed just 26 deliveries for his unbeaten 57, smashing four fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 219.23. Gurdeep Singh also made a brief but destructive contribution, hitting 18 off seven balls, including three fours and a six, as Kenya finished on 189/4. Rwanda’s chase never found the required rhythm. Hamza Khan, fresh from his brilliant unbeaten 93 against Botswana on Sunday, once again carried much of the hosts’ batting responsibility, hitting 58 off 43 balls, including six sixes. Daniel Gumyusenge added 28 off 26 balls, but Kenya’s bowlers kept the hosts from producing the late surge needed to turn the contest around. Rwanda eventually finished on 157/6, falling 32 runs short. For Kenya, the victory underlined their consistency and strength. For Rwanda, it was another reminder that their margin for error is rapidly disappearing. Uganda ease past Sierra Leone If Kenya had to work for their victory, Uganda’s task was considerably more straightforward. Sierra Leone were bowled out for just 55 in 17.4 overs, leaving Uganda with a modest target that they chased down in only seven overs. Olipa Gerald was the architect of the rout. The Uganda all-rounder first tore through Sierra Leone’s batting, taking three wickets for just one run in 2.4 overs. He then returned with the bat to smash an unbeaten 21 off nine balls. His outstanding all-round performance earned him Player of the Match honours. Uganda’s eight-wicket victory was another demonstration of their ability to combine ruthless bowling with explosive batting when opportunities arise. With every match now carrying greater weight, Kenya and Uganda have strengthened their positions in the race for the final. Kenya’s victory denied Rwanda the chance to build on Sunday’s comeback win over Botswana, while Uganda’s demolition of Sierra Leone further boosted their own campaign. The remaining matches will determine whether a Kenya-Uganda final becomes reality, but Tuesday’s winners have made one thing clear: they intend to be there.
