Kampala, Uganda | Zimbabwe’s tight 29-23 win over Kenya in the semi-finals was the highlight of the day, as the two old foes went toe-to-toe for 80 minutes in a match that kept the cavernous crowd on its feet throughout.
Tries by inside-centre Brandon Mudzekenyedzi, scrumhalf and captain Hilton Mudariki, as well as eighth-man Jason Fraser, were complemented by 14 points from star flyhalf Ian Prior, who has continued his good goal-kicking form in this tournament.
A late try by Kenya substitute Victor Akala took the game to the wire, but Zimbabwe held on for their most famous win over the Kenyans since the two countries’ first encounter in 1981.
Sables flank Tino Mavesere, who featured for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship this past season, was the player of the match, largely due to his carries and defensive work.
Earlier in the day, Namibia defeated Algeria 21-7 to move within sight of their eighth Men’s Rugby World Cup qualification.
Playing in his first Test match in nearly two years, Namibia centre Le Roux Malan was awarded the player-of-the-match.
The US-based Malan miraculously recovered from a horrific injury sustained during Namibia’s match against New Zealand at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
Captain Prince Gaoseb, fellow back-row Wian Conradie, and flyhalf Cliven Loubser crossed the whitewash for the Namibians.
Loubser, in top form with the boot, scored the rest of Namibia’s points.
Mohammed Adel Hamid was the lone try scorer for Algeria.
Earlier in the day, hosts Uganda extended their losing streak with a 24-12 defeat to recently promoted Morocco in the first match of the play-offs.
Senegal beat Côte d’Ivoire 28-3 in a tightly fought West African battle.
Next Saturday, July 19, Namibia and Zimbabwe will clash in the final of the Rugby Africa Cup. The winner will secure a spot at the Men’s Rugby World Cup Australia 2027.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup features eight of the continent’s top teams, Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and 2024 champions Zimbabwe, competing in a knockout tournament for the African spot at the Rugby World Cup, the winner will also qualify for the second division of the Nations Cup. Notably, with all qualification set to conclude by the end of 2025, a first in Men’s Rugby World Cup history, all participating teams will be confirmed ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2027 Draw. The World Rugby Rankings will inform team seedings for the tournament draw.
