- Kenya Simbas defeated Uganda 24-32 in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 on Tuesday, July 8, at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
- The victory secured them a spot in the semifinals on Sunday, July 13, where they will face defending champions Zimbabwe.
The Kenya Simbas head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has revealed how his team outclassed the Uganda Rugby Cranes in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinals as they secured a spot in the semifinals.
In a high-stakes clash held at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Tuesday, July 8, the Simbas triumphed over their regional rivals with a 24-32 win.
The victory was spearheaded by a brace of tries from Griffin Chao, a solo effort by captain George Nyambua and a sensational performance from Barry Young, who not only scored a try but also executed two drop goals.
Their contributions ensured the Simbas booked a semifinal encounter against defending champions Zimbabwe, scheduled for Sunday, July 13.
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Speaking to SportPesa Blog after the match, the South African tactician revealed that despite the intense pressure, the players remained focused and executed their game plan effectively.
“The pressure was pretty high and I feel we left a few points on the field which I think we could have finished, especially in the first half.
We know Uganda never stop and never give up but I think our plan also worked. It was almost like a final and we were prepared for anything. They stayed calm and stuck to the structure and we got the points,” Paarwater noted.
Paarwater also heaped praise on how the team managed to execute some of the drills they worked on during their month-long camp in South Africa just before the tournament and their composure during the game.
“All the plays that we had from first phase worked today, especially the try that we scored from the lineout.
Another plan that worked was the two drop goals from Barry which we knew would help us win the game. Then the calmness of the players helped and we were happy to get the win,” he noted.
Rising star Andycole Omollo earns man of the match honors
Paarwater also lauded youngster Andycole Omollo who was named man of the match.
Despite being the squad s youngest member, the rising KCB Rugby talent showcased maturity beyond his years.
“Andy had a lot of great games in SA. He is a young man but with a mature head. He is also the lineout caller after I gave him those responsibilities which he does not shy away from. I think he has a bright future ahead of him. Aside from him, all the players also all did well to get this win,” Paarwater concluded.
With four days of rest ahead, the Simbas now prepare for their crucial semifinal showdown against Zimbabwe, eyeing a spot in the final and potentially a ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
AFRICA – 1 TEAM
The Rugby Africa Men’s Cup 2025 champions will qualify directly for the Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027. The runner-up will progress to the Asia/Africa Play-off.
Nations involved: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Namibia, Senegal, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Morocco.
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 quarter finals results (8 July)
QF 1: Zimbabwe 43-8 Morocco
QF 2: Algeria 41-6 Cote d’Ivoire
QF 3: Namibia 55-17 Senegal
QF 4: Kenya 32-24 Uganda
Upcoming events: Semifinals (13 July)
Namibia vs Algeria (2PM EAT)
Zimbabwe vs Kenya (4PM EAT)
Final (19 July)
Winner SF 1 vs Winner SF 2