Zimbabwe Ends Kenya’s World Cup Hopes in Africa Cup Semi-Final

Kenya’s ambitions of securing early qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup came to a halt after a narrow 29-23 defeat to Zimbabwe in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa Cup, held at Namboole Stadium in Kampala on Sunday.

Facing the Zimbabwe Sables in a high-stakes clash, the Simbas knew that a place in the final—and a shot at a World Cup berth against Namibia—was on the line. Despite heading into halftime with a slim lead, Kenya was ultimately undone by handling errors and a late resurgence from the Zimbabweans.

Zimbabwe opened the scoring early, but Kenya quickly responded through Eugene Sifuna’s try, leveling the score at 5-5. A converted penalty put Zimbabwe back in front, and Kenya suffered a setback when Griffin Chao was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle.

Jone Kubu’s penalty brought Kenya level at 8-8 before Zimbabwe’s Hilton Mudariki crossed the line to make it 13-8. Kubu added another three points for Kenya, and just before the break, Chao returned to score a try, which Kubu converted, giving Kenya an 18-13 advantage at halftime.

However, Zimbabwe’s patient second-half strategy paid off. With just over 20 minutes left, a costly fumble by Kenya’s Bethuel Anami during a maul allowed Zimbabwe to score. Ian Prior converted, putting the Sables ahead 20-18.

Prior then delivered a devastating sequence—first a drop goal, followed by a penalty, and another three-pointer in the closing minutes—to stretch Zimbabwe’s lead to 29-18. Although Teddy Akala managed a late try for Kenya, it was too little, too late, as the final whistle confirmed their elimination.

Zimbabwe now advances to the final against Namibia, scheduled for Saturday, July 19. The winner secures a direct ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, while the runner-up will enter the repechage qualification round.

For Kenya, it’s another frustrating near-miss and a return to the drawing board as their long-standing dream of playing at the Rugby World Cup remains unfulfilled.

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