Zimbabwe eliminated Kenya from 2027 Rugby World Cup contention with a 29-23 victory during Sunday's Rugby Africa Cup semifinal at Kampala's Mandela Stadium. The Simbas controlled early proceedings but surrendered their advantage as the match progressed. Patrick Sabatia's aerial skills helped Kenya establish initial dominance through possession and field position. Zimbabwe struck first when Edward Sigauke created space for Brandon Mudzekenyedzi's opening try. Eugine Sifuna answered immediately for Kenya after Sabatia won another restart and the forwards drove through a powerful maul.
The teams exchanged penalties before Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki scored to establish a 13-8 advantage. Jone Kubu reduced the deficit with another penalty kick for Kenya. Griffin Chao scored before halftime after Zimbabwe mishandled possession, giving Kenya an 18-13 lead at the break. Kubu converted Chao's try after the wing had served a sin-bin penalty for a high tackle earlier in the half.
Zimbabwe dominated the second period through forward pressure and Ian Prior's accurate kicking. The Sables scored an early try through their pack before Prior added three penalties to extend their lead to 29-18. Substitute hooker Teddy Akala powered over from a lineout in the final moments, but time expired immediately afterward. Kenya will face Algeria in the third-place playoff after their World Cup qualification dreams ended.
The teams exchanged penalties before Zimbabwe captain Hilton Mudariki scored to establish a 13-8 advantage. Jone Kubu reduced the deficit with another penalty kick for Kenya. Griffin Chao scored before halftime after Zimbabwe mishandled possession, giving Kenya an 18-13 lead at the break. Kubu converted Chao's try after the wing had served a sin-bin penalty for a high tackle earlier in the half.
Zimbabwe dominated the second period through forward pressure and Ian Prior's accurate kicking. The Sables scored an early try through their pack before Prior added three penalties to extend their lead to 29-18. Substitute hooker Teddy Akala powered over from a lineout in the final moments, but time expired immediately afterward. Kenya will face Algeria in the third-place playoff after their World Cup qualification dreams ended.
