The Kenya Simbas have changed their lineup, which hardly fought and won against the Uganda Rugby Cranes, as they face Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Cup Semifinal today.
The match starts at 4 pm EAT, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda, as Kenya aims to reach the final and lift the trophy on 19th July 2025.
Simbas Squad Change
Kenya Simbas’ head coach, Jerome Paarwater, has named a largely unchanged squad, with the only change being Derrick Ashihundu stepping into the starting XV on the right wing, replacing Timothy Omela.
The decision to bring in Ashihundu, who will feature alongside Griffin Chao on the wing, suggests a tactical shift to bolster the team’s attacking options on the flanks.
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The Rugby Africa Cup 2025 is a key qualification event for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, making each match, especially the semifinals, highly competitive.
The Kenya Simbas have been performing strongly, as evidenced by their recent victories, and are now set to face the defending champions, Zimbabwe Sables, in a do-or-die encounter.
Defending Champions
The Sables are the defending champions and have received a Ksh13 million motivation from President Emmerson Mnangagwa to qualify for the World Cup.
Zimbabwe Sables have also made one change to their squad, with Matthew McNab replacing Trevor Gurwe on the right wing, and adding Cornish Pirates fly-half Bruce Houston to their bench.
Captain Hilton Mudariki praised Kenya’s athleticism but expressed confidence in Zimbabwe’s preparation and physicality.
“If we tick the boxes we have been focusing on, we believe we can stand out in this game,” Mudariki stated.
Kenya vs Zimbabwe Rivalry
The two teams have met 24 times since 1981, with Zimbabwe leading the head-to-head 14–10. Their last encounter saw Kenya dominate a second-string Zimbabwe side 48–7 in 2023.
The forward pack remains unchanged, featuring captain George Nyambua, Andycole Omolo, and Bethuel Anami.
“It’s a mental game now, and it could go down to the last minute,” Kenya Simbas head coach Jerome Paarwater said.
Other Matches
Algeria vs. Namibia
Algeria, which reached the final in 2024 but lost to Zimbabwe, secured their semifinal spot with a 41-6 victory over Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.
They aim to go one step further this year for a historic Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification.
Namibia, a traditional powerhouse and Africa’s only team to compete in every Rugby World Cup since 1999, advanced with a dominant 55-17 win over Senegal.
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After a surprise semifinal loss to Zimbabwe last year, Namibia, led by captain Prince Gaoseb, is focused on reclaiming the continental title and maintaining their World Cup streak.
Additionally, two ranking semifinals for teams eliminated in the quarterfinals are scheduled for today, with Ivory Coast vs. Senegal at 10:00 a.m. and Morocco vs. Uganda at 12:00 p.m.
Kenya Simbas Starting XV: Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua, Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sibatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Derrick Ashiundi, Jone Kubu.
Substitutes: Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth.
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