The Kenya Simbas ended their 2025 Rugby Africa Cup campaign in disappointment, falling 15-5 to Algeria in the bronze medal playoff on Saturday afternoon at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The result leaves Kenya’s 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification hopes in dismay after a tournament that began with promise but ended in back-to-back defeats.
The playoff match was characterized by rugged physical play and strong defensive stands from both sides. However, it was Algeria, who had finished third in the previous edition, that once again clinched bronze, showing greater composure and tactical execution.
Algeria set the tempo from the kickoff, scoring in the first minute through Benjamin Caminati, who capitalized on Kenya’s sluggish start to dot down in the corner. Though Enzo Kralfa missed the conversion, the North Africans had drawn first blood.
Kenya responded swiftly, with a rolling maul off a line-out in the 8th minute resulting in a try from prop Teddy Akala. Brian Wahinya failed to convert, leaving the scores level at 5-5.
Midway through the first half, Algeria took control again with a series of well-structured phases that saw Kamil Bouregba dive over for their second try. This time, the conversion sailed through, giving Algeria a 12-5 lead at halftime.
Despite flashes of attacking intent, the Simbas struggled to break through Algeria’s defensive wall in the second half. Poor handling, lack of precision at the breakdown, and missed opportunities cost them dearly. A late penalty by Algeria extended their lead to 15-5, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater had made several changes to the starting lineup in an attempt to inject fresh energy following Kenya’s 29-23 semifinal loss to Zimbabwe, with Samuel Ovwamu and Vincent Mwikhali getting starts. However, the tactical shift failed to disrupt Algeria’s well-organized structure.
The Simbas had earlier shown promise with a 32-24 win over rivals Uganda, but back-to-back defeats now see them finish fourth overall, matching their position from the 2024 edition.
For Algeria, the victory capped off a strong campaign that included a 41-6 thrashing of Ivory Coast in the opening round, followed by a hard-fought semifinal loss to Namibia (21-7).
