- Kenya Simbas will face Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup third-place playoff on Saturday, July 19, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
- The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:00 noon.
- Host nation Uganda, after a disappointing tournament run, will take on Cote d’Ivoire in the seventh-place playoff a must-win game, as the loser will be relegated from the top tier.
The national men’s 15s side, Kenya Simbas, will be aiming for a strong finish in the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 as they face Algeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday, July 19 at noon at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The Simbas head into this encounter after a heartbreaking 23-29 defeat to defending champions Zimbabwe in last weekend’s semifinals, a result that ended their hopes of securing a historic maiden appearance at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
With their global ambitions dashed, Jerome Paarwater’s charges will now aim to salvage a bronze medal as they take on 2024 finalists Algeria.
Buononato Adrien’s squad also suffered a semifinal exit, falling 21-7 to record champions Namibia, thereby seeing their World Cup hopes extinguished as well.
This will be a rematch of the 2024 semifinal, where Kenya succumbed to a 20-12 loss. This time, the Simbas will be eager to avenge that defeat and secure a spot on the podium.
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To bolster their chances, Coach Paarwater has made sweeping changes to his lineup, retaining only two players from the side that battled Zimbabwe.
Derrick Ashihundu and Jone Kubu return to marshal the backline, while Timothy Omela omitted in the previous match rejoins the starting XV.
Key inclusions feature Samuel Ovwamu, who makes his long-awaited debut at center, and Brian Wahinya, earning his first appearance of the tournament. Brian Tanga and John Okoth will also make their first starts.
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The front row is anchored by Edward Mwaura, Teddy Akala, and Vincent Mwikhali, supported by fellow impact players Hibrahim Ayoo, David Banduki, and Obat Kule.
Elkeans Musonye will captain the side for the first time, partnering with Emmanuel Silunga in the forwards.
With only third place up for grabs, both teams will be determined to finish on a high note. Given the Simbas’ revamped lineup, this clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
Namibia vs Zimbabwe: Rugby Africa Cup 2025 final
In the grand finale, Namibia will face Zimbabwe at 4:00 PM EAT in what is not just a battle for continental supremacy, but also a direct qualification spot for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
However, the runner-up won’t exit empty-handed they will still have a lifeline.
They will meet the United Arab Emirates, runners-up in the Asia Rugby Championship 2025, in the Asia/Africa playoff on July 26.
The wiinere will advance to the Final Qualification Tournament (8–18 November in Dubai), keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
Namibia will look to maintain their dominance on the global stage, having represented Africa in multiple editions, while Zimbabwe, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1991, will be eager to break that long-standing drought.
Uganda faces Ivory Coast in relegation battle
Host nation Uganda, after a disappointing tournament run, will face Cote d’Ivoire in the seventh-place playoff a must-win game, as the loser will be relegated from the top tier.
Uganda, a long-standing competitor at this level, will fight to retain their spot, while Ivory Coast, who relegated Burkina Faso last year, will aim to repeat history by sending Uganda down.
Senegal vs Morocco in 5th place decider
In the fifth-place playoff, newly promoted Morocco will face Senegal in what promises to be a competitive mid-table clash.
Kenya Simbas line-up vs Algeria – Rugby Africa Cup 2025 third place playoff
Starting 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.
Substitutes
Eugene Sifuna, Ephraim Oduor, Wilhite Mususi, Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Walter Okoth.
Rugby Africa Cup 2025 Results
Quarterfinals (8 July)
- Zimbabwe 43–8 Morocco
- Algeria 41–6 Côte d’Ivoire
- Namibia 55–17 Senegal
- Kenya 32–24 Uganda
Semifinals (13 July)
- Namibia 21–7 Algeria
- Zimbabwe 29–23 Kenya
Finals (19 July)
- Namibia vs Zimbabwe
Third Place Playoff
- Kenya vs Algeria
