Kenya’s World Cup dream derailed by Zimbabwe in semifinal clash
Kenya’s Rugby World Cup dream slipped agonisingly through their fingers on Sunday evening after a tense 29-23 defeat to defending champions Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinal at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. The loss dashed the Simbas’ hopes of advancing to the final and with it, a crucial step toward qualifying for the 2027 global showpiece.
The Simbas had entered the contest determined to upset the odds and they showed moments of brilliance. After trailing early, Eugene Sifuna muscled over from a rolling maul to level the scores at 5-5. Fly-half Jone Kubu, however, missed the conversion.
Zimbabwe edged ahead with a penalty, but Kubu responded in kind to make it 8-8. Kenya’s momentum stalled when winger Griffin Chao was sin-binned for a high tackle. The Sables seized the advantage, adding more points to lead 13-8. Kubu again trimmed the deficit with a penalty before Chao, fresh from the bin, made amends with a superb solo try. Kubu converted, and Kenya entered halftime with a narrow 18-13 lead and a spring in their step.
But the second half shifted dramatically. Zimbabwe struck back with a try and a well-taken drop goal from Ian Prior. A penalty stretched their lead to 26-18 as Kenya struggled to find rhythm.
Teddy Akala offered a lifeline, barging over for a try that brought the score to 29-23 after yet another Zimbabwe penalty. But in the tense final minutes, handling errors and stout Zimbabwean defence crushed any hopes of a late Kenyan comeback.
It was a brave, often inspired performance from the Simbas. Their forwards held their own in the set-pieces, and their backline showed attacking potential. But lapses in discipline and composure at crucial moments proved their undoing.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater will take pride in his team’s effort but will be keenly aware of the areas that still need sharpening if Kenya is to consistently compete with Africa’s elite.
For Zimbabwe, the win was a product of experience and resilience. Captain Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior and Bruce Houston all played key roles in steering the Sables to yet another final.
The Simbas had entered the contest determined to upset the odds and they showed moments of brilliance. After trailing early, Eugene Sifuna muscled over from a rolling maul to level the scores at 5-5. Fly-half Jone Kubu, however, missed the conversion.
Zimbabwe edged ahead with a penalty, but Kubu responded in kind to make it 8-8. Kenya’s momentum stalled when winger Griffin Chao was sin-binned for a high tackle. The Sables seized the advantage, adding more points to lead 13-8. Kubu again trimmed the deficit with a penalty before Chao, fresh from the bin, made amends with a superb solo try. Kubu converted, and Kenya entered halftime with a narrow 18-13 lead and a spring in their step.
But the second half shifted dramatically. Zimbabwe struck back with a try and a well-taken drop goal from Ian Prior. A penalty stretched their lead to 26-18 as Kenya struggled to find rhythm.
Teddy Akala offered a lifeline, barging over for a try that brought the score to 29-23 after yet another Zimbabwe penalty. But in the tense final minutes, handling errors and stout Zimbabwean defence crushed any hopes of a late Kenyan comeback.
It was a brave, often inspired performance from the Simbas. Their forwards held their own in the set-pieces, and their backline showed attacking potential. But lapses in discipline and composure at crucial moments proved their undoing.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater will take pride in his team’s effort but will be keenly aware of the areas that still need sharpening if Kenya is to consistently compete with Africa’s elite.
For Zimbabwe, the win was a product of experience and resilience. Captain Hilton Mudariki, Ian Prior and Bruce Houston all played key roles in steering the Sables to yet another final.
Rugby World Cup
Kenya Simbas
2025 Rugby Africa Cup
Let’s Connect
We’re here to listen, support, and engage with you.
Whether it’s feedback, a request, or collaboration — Hon. Yusuf Hassan’s team welcomes your message.
Office Address
Kamukunji Constituency Office, Nairobi
Call
+254 737 500200, +254 716 667733
“Leadership is not about position — it’s about purpose, people, and progress.”