Kenya’s hopes of featuring at the 2027 Rugby World Cup came to a heartbreaking end on Sunday evening after the national 15s side, the Simbas, suffered a narrow 29-23 loss to Zimbabwe’s Sables in a fiercely contested Rugby Africa Cup semifinal held at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Despite leading at halftime and showing moments of brilliance, the Simbas were ultimately outgunned in the second half by a disciplined and clinical Zimbabwe side that now books a date with Namibia in the final, where a direct World Cup qualification slot is at stake.
First Half: Fast Start, Missed Conversions, and a Temporary Lead
Kenya kicked off the match with intent. Patrick Sabatia’s aerial dominance from Barry Young’s kickoff set the tone early, and the Simbas dominated early possession. However, it was Zimbabwe who scored first, with Brandon Mudzekenyedzi finishing a counter-attack down the left flank to go 5-0 up.
Kenya responded quickly through Eugene Sifuna, crashing over from a rolling maul to level the scores at 5-5. Discipline soon became a problem for Kenya, with Griffin Chao sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, allowing Zimbabwe to edge ahead 8-5 with a penalty from Ian Prior.
A penalty kick by Jone Kubu leveled the score again at 8-8, but Zimbabwe hit back through a corner try by Hilton Mudariki, reclaiming the lead.
Just before halftime, Chao redeemed himself by intercepting a loose ball and slicing through for a solo try under the posts. Kubu converted, and Kenya headed into the break leading 18-13.
Second Half: Zimbabwe Take Control
The second half proved tougher for the Simbas. Zimbabwe asserted control in territory and possession, pinning Kenya back and capitalising on every opportunity.
Prior converted a close-range try to regain the lead before adding a drop goal and two penalties, pushing Zimbabwe ahead 29-18.
Kenya showed signs of a late resurgence with Brian Tanga scoring off a driving maul in the dying minutes, cutting the deficit to 29-23. However, with the final whistle already sounded, there was no time left for a miracle comeback.
Too Little, Too Late
Despite flashes of dominance, Kenya’s missed chances—particularly from attacking mauls and a high error count—proved costly. Zimbabwe’s composure and ability to punish mistakes made the difference.
The Simbas’ defeat not only ends their Rugby Africa Cup title hopes but also eliminates them from the 2027 Rugby World Cup qualification path.
They will now contest the bronze medal playoff against Algeria on July 19, while Zimbabwe move on to the final against Namibia, who defeated Algeria in the other semifinal.
What’s Next?
Kenya’s attention now turns to the third-place playoff, a chance for redemption but without the World Cup dream.
