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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.
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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.
Kenya Simbas’ hopes of booking a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup took a massive hit after a painful 29-23 defeat to Zimbabwe Sables in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinal played on Sunday, 13 July, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
The clash between East Africa and Southern Africa lived up to its billing—intense, physical, and fiercely contested. But for the Kenyan side, it ended in heartbreak after surrendering a hard-fought lead in the dying moments of the game.
Zimbabwe struck first, shocking the Simbas with a lightning-quick start. Just three minutes into the game, Brandon Mudzekenyedzi sliced through a shaky Kenyan defense to touch down for the game’s opening try. Though the conversion was missed, Zimbabwe had drawn first blood and set the tone for a heated encounter.
The Simbas, stung by the early setback, responded with urgency. Dominating possession and territorial advantage, they turned down an easy penalty kick and opted for a lineout instead. The bold move paid off, with a well-executed maul bringing Kenya’s first try of the game. However, Jone Kubu failed to convert, leaving the scores tied at 5-5.
Zimbabwe almost regained the lead moments later through an expertly worked lineout involving Matthew McNab. However, the opportunity only resulted in a penalty, which Ian Prior calmly slotted over to put the Sables 8-5 ahead.
Kenya’s troubles deepened when Griffin Chao was sent to the sin bin for a dangerous tackle on McNab in the 15th minute. Despite being a man down, the Simbas kept their composure, forced a Zimbabwean error, and leveled the scores at 8-8 courtesy of a Kubu penalty.
The Sables weren’t done yet. Their skipper Hilton Mudariki crossed over for a smartly worked try, but Prior’s conversion woes continued. Kenya stayed within striking distance and reduced the deficit further with another Kubu penalty, making it 13-11.
Chao returned from the bin determined to make amends—and he did. In a pivotal moment just before halftime, Chao intercepted a loose Zimbabwean pass and raced clear to score. Kubu added the extras, giving Kenya an 18-13 lead at the break.
The second half began with the Simbas exuding renewed confidence. But Zimbabwe adjusted their tactics, tightening their grip and pinning Kenya in their half. The pressure told when Dylan Utete crossed for a try, which Prior converted, swinging the lead back to Zimbabwe at 20-18.
Prior, who was instrumental throughout the contest, extended the Sables’ lead with a well-taken drop goal, making it 23-18. Kenya’s momentum stalled with a series of costly mistakes. A promising attacking move was cut short by a handling error from Derrick Ashiundu, and a scrum infringement allowed Prior to stretch Zimbabwe’s lead further with a penalty.
Even with the scoreboard at 26-18, the Simbas refused to back down. They surged forward in the closing minutes, looking for a way back into the game. But another long-range penalty from Prior—his final contribution of the afternoon—snuffed out any hopes of a Kenyan comeback.
Kenya managed a consolation try deep into stoppage time, closing the score at 29-23, but it was too little too late.
We fall Zimbabwe 23 – 29 in the Semi Finals, missing out on the finals.
We will face Algeria for the 3rd place playoffs on Saturday the 18l9th at 2:00 PM, EAT.#SupportTheSimbas #ElevateYourGame #RoadToRWC2027 #KQxSimbas pic.twitter.com/7i3ODuIGIJ
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) July 13, 2025
The win sees Zimbabwe march into the Rugby Africa Cup final against Namibia, leaving Kenya to pursue a grueling repechage route if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
This defeat serves as a bitter reminder of the fine margins at international level, where a lapse in focus or a single handling error can cost a team everything they’ve worked for. For the Simbas, the road ahead remains tough—but tAhe fight for a place at the 2027 Rugby World Cup is far from over.
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