- Zimbabwe defeated Kenya Simbas 29-23 in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup semifinal played at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Sunday, July 13.
- The loss denied Kenya a chance to book their maiden Rugby World Cup ticket, as Zimbabwe advanced to the final to face Namibia, while Kenya will meet Algeria in the third-place playoff.
The men’s national 15s rugby team, the Kenya Simbas, narrowly missed a place in the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup finals.
Their 23-29 defeat to defending champions Zimbabwe in a gripping semifinal at the Mandela National Stadium on Sunday evening also ended their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
As a result, Jerome Paarwater’s charges will now face Algeria in the third place playoff, while Zimbabwe, aiming to retain their continental title, will be looking to secure a direct qualification ticket to the global showpiece in Australia, when they will face Namibia in the finals.
The Sables struck first blood just three minutes into the match, capitalizing on an opportunity down the left flank.
Brandon Mudzekenyedzi sliced through the Kenyan defense to ground the opening try. However, the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, giving Zimbabwe an early 5-0 lead.
Kenya responded merely three minutes later, Eugene Sifuna powered over the try line to level the score at 5-5, though Jone Kubu’s conversion drifted wide.
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Zimbabwe reclaimed the lead through a successful penalty by Ian Prior, awarded after Kenya Simbas committed a foul during a Zimbabwean attack.
Moments later, Kenya was reduced to 14 men after Griffin Chao received a yellow card for a dangerous tackle.
Kubu managed to pull Kenya level again at 8-8, converting a penalty won just meters from the Zimbabwe try line.
However, the Ricky Chirengende side responded with another well-executed lineout that culminated in a try from their captain, Hilton Mudariki. With another missed conversion, Zimbabwe led 13-8.
The Simbas trimmed the deficit to just two points thanks to a precise penalty from Kubu, making it 13-11 at the half-hour mark.
Kenya then earned another penalty but missed the chance to go ahead when Kubu’s kick fell short.
Nevertheless, the breakthrough came just before halftime.
Griffin Chao, returning from his sin-bin stint, capitalized on a Zimbabwe handling error to dart down the left flank and score a brilliant try. Kubu converted, sending Kenya into the break with an 18-13 lead.
The second half proved to be an arm-wrestle, with both sides demonstrating resolute defense.
Zimbabwe equalized in the 63rd minute through substitute Dylan Itete, and Ian Prior added the extras, nudging the Sables ahead 20-18.
Prior extended Zimbabwe’s advantage with a well-taken drop goal, making it 23-18, and later slotted a penalty to stretch the lead to 26-18.
Despite Kenya’s relentless efforts, Zimbabwe remained composed.
The Simbas clawed back with a late try in the dying moments, but with time not on their side and the conversion missed, Zimbabwe held on for a 29-23 victory securing their place in the final and bringing Kenya’s World Cup dreams to an agonizing halt.
Kenya Simbas – Starting XV (Rugby Africa Cup 2025 Semifinal)
Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua (C), Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sabatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashiundu, Jone Kubu
Impact Players
Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth
Zimbabwe – Starting XV
Victor Mpunga, Simba Mandioma, Cleophas Kundiona, Kudakwashe Nyakufaringwa, Simba Siraha, Tinotenda Mavesre, Godfrey Muzanargwo, Jason Fraser, Hilton Mudariki (C), Ian Prior, Edward Sigauke, Kudzai Mushawi, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, Matthew McNab, Tapiwa Mafura
Replacements
Liam Larkan, Tyran Fagan, Bornwell Gwinji, Arden Burnet, Dylan Itete, Keegan Joubert, Dion Khumalo, Bruce Houston
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
Semifinals (13 July)
- Namibia 21-7 Algeria
- Zimbabwe 29-23 Kenya
Final (19 July)
- Namibia vs Zimbabwe