Toyota Buffalos Defeat Impis in Thrilling Uganda Rugby Premiership Playoff Semi-Final

The first semi-final of the Uganda Rugby Premiership playoffs between Impis and Toyota Buffalos on Saturday, June 6, was marked by emotion, intensity, and high-quality rugby.

Played at the Makerere Graveyard, the encounter ended with Toyota Buffalos securing a hard-fought 20-11 victory over the hosts.

Before kick-off, a moment of silence was observed in honour of Black Pirates and Uganda Rugby Cranes player Sydney Gongodyo, who passed away on Friday. Fans also applauded in tribute, recognising his contribution to Ugandan rugby.

The match got off to an exciting start, with Impis drawing first blood through a try from Lincoln Mashate in the second minute. However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Toyota Buffalos responded swiftly, earning a penalty that Yasin Waswa successfully converted to reduce the deficit to 5-3.

Twenty minutes into the contest, referee Robert Wutimber called for a water break.

During the stoppage, supporters once again paid tribute to Gongodyo. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, Impis remained organised and resilient, preventing further damage before halftime.

Toyota Buffalos emerged from the break with renewed intensity and soon gained a numerical advantage when Impis’ Muhumuza Clarence was shown a yellow card, leaving his side a man short for ten minutes.

The visitors capitalised on the opportunity as Yasin Waswa produced a brilliant individual effort, evading three defenders before crossing for a try.

He then successfully converted to extend Toyota Buffalos’ lead to 13-8.

Impis responded with a double substitution that injected fresh energy into the side. Their pressure forced a high-tackle infringement by Muskoe Douglas, who was temporarily sent to the sin bin.

Impis converted the resulting penalty to cut the deficit to 13-11.

With nine minutes remaining, Muhumuza Kennedy delivered the decisive blow for Toyota Buffalos, powering over for a crucial try. Yasin Waswa added the conversion to seal a 20-11 victory for the visitors.

The result gives Toyota Buffalos the advantage heading into the second leg of the playoff semi-final, which will be played next weekend at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds.