- Kenya Simbas fell to Algeria 15-5, settling for fourth place in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025.
- The match was staged at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday, July 19.
- The lone try for the Kenya Simbas was scored by Teddy Akala.
The national men’s 15s side, Kenya Simbas, concluded their Rugby Africa Cup 2025 campaign in fourth place after succumbing to a 15-5 defeat against Algeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday afternoon at the Mandela National Stadium.
The Simbas were eager to finish on a high note after their World Cup aspirations were shattered in the semifinals by Zimbabwe.
However, history repeated itself as Kenya fell to Algeria for the second consecutive year having lost 20-12 in the 2024 semifinals.
Algeria drew first blood barely a minute into the game, launching their campaign on an aggressive note.
Benjamin Cominoti exploited a defensive lapse in the Kenyan line, slicing through to touch down for an early 5-0 lead. The conversion attempt, however, was unsuccessful.
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Kenya responded eight minutes later through a well-executed maul that culminated in a try by Teddy Akala, leveling the score at 5-5. Unfortunately, Brian Wahinya missed the ensuing conversion.
Algeria reclaimed the lead with a converted try, extending the gap to 12-5.
Despite being reduced to 14 players following a yellow card to Khemis Nory and subsequently to 13 men after Mohamed Yakine received a second yellow for an infringement, Algeria displayed remarkable defensive tenacity.
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Jerome Paarwater’s men struggled to capitalize on the numerical advantage, trailing 12-5 at halftime as Buononato Adrien’s side held firm.
In the second half, coach Paarwater rang in sweeping changes, and for a moment it looked like Kenya had found renewed momentum.
However, Algeria’s formidable defense continued to frustrate the Simbas inside the 22.
Despite multiple attacking efforts, Kenya failed to breach Algeria’s line. Instead, Algeria extended their lead with a composed drop goal, pushing the score to 15-5.
With time running out, the Simbas could not muster a comeback.
Algeria’s disciplined structure and tactical awareness secured them a deserved third-place finish. Kenya, echoing last year’s outcome, settled for fourth and will need to regroup and strategize ahead of the next edition.
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Kenya Simbas vs Algeria Rugby Africa Cup third place playoffs line-ups
Algeria Starting XV
Mehdi Borsali, Aymeric Tronc, Yosin Boutemmani, Mohamed Abdel, Mohamed Yakine, Komil Bouregba, Maryn Youcef (C), Rayne Barko, Glen Gueheile, Hugo Verd, Biess Mocani, Alexis Reno, Enzo Kralla, Khemis Nory, Benjamin Cominoti
Kenya XV
Edward Mwaura, Teddy Akala, Vincent Mwikhali, Emmanuel Silunga, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Banduki, Obat Kule, Elkeans Musonye (Captain), Brian Tanga, Brian Wahinya, Derrick Ashihundu, Samuel Ovwamu, John Okoth, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu
