Kenya falls to Zimbabwe to bow out of 2027 Rugby World Cup race
Kenyan national rugby 15s team, the Simbas, saw their hopes of reaching the 2027 Rugby World Cup come to an end after suffering a narrow 29-23 defeat to Zimbabwe in the semifinals of the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup on Sunday.
The hard-fought encounter at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala saw Kenya take a 18-13 lead into halftime, but they failed to hold on as Zimbabwe came back stronger in the second half to claim victory and book a final showdown with Namibia.
The winner of the upcoming final will secure Africa’s single qualifying spot for the 2027 World Cup in Australia, joining defending champions South Africa.
Kenya started the match with strong runs deep into Zimbabwe’s half, but it was the Sables who drew first blood through Brandon Mudzekenyedzi’s try in the corner after a clever assist from Edward Sigauke. Prior missed the conversion, giving Zimbabwe a 5-0 advantage.
The Simbas responded immediately, with Eugene Sifuna grounding the ball from a lineout drive to level the scores. However, kicker Jone Kubu could not convert. Zimbabwe regained the lead through a penalty by Prior, and Kenya’s troubles deepened when Griffin Chao was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.
Despite being a man down, Kenya levelled again with a penalty from Kubu, but Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki added another unconverted try to make it 13-8. Kubu replied with another penalty to make it 13-11.
In a thrilling end to the half, Chao returned from the bin to score a solo try, sprinting half the field after picking up a loose ball. Kubu added the conversion to give Kenya an 18-13 halftime lead.
The second half, however, belonged to Zimbabwe. Dylan Utete powered through the Kenyan defence to score, and Prior converted to take the lead at 20-18. He then added a clever drop goal and two penalties to stretch the lead to 29-18.
A late try by Teddy Akala brought Kenya close, but it wasn’t enough to stop Zimbabwe from claiming the win.
Zimbabwe will now face Namibia—who beat Algeria 21-7—in the final for a spot at the 2027 World Cup.
Kenya’s dream is over, but the team showed promise and fight, and will look to build from this experience.