The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup final is now set, with Namibia and Zimbabwe set to battle for the continental crown and Africa’s direct qualification ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
The two powerhouses confirmed their places in the final after impressive victories in the semifinals staged at Namboole Stadium in Kampala.
Zimbabwe saw off Kenya Simbas 29-23 in a fiercely contested semifinal on Sunday. The Simbas had come into the match with hopes of reaching their first-ever Rugby Africa Cup final and securing a historic World Cup qualification. They fought hard, leading 18-13 at halftime after tries from Eugene Sifuna and Griffin Chao and the boot of Jone Kubu. However, Zimbabwe’s experience showed in the second half as they clawed back through Dylan Utete’s try, a drop goal and two late penalties from Ian Prior to secure their place in the final.
Earlier on the same day, Namibia overpowered Algeria 21-7 to book their place in the title decider. Namibia had stormed into the semifinals after dismantling Senegal 55-17 in their opening match, while Algeria had made it through after a dominant 41-6 win over Ivory Coast. Against Algeria, Namibia showed their class, with Cliven Loubser starring through both tries and penalties to ensure they comfortably saw out the victory.
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The road to the final began on July 8th, with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Algeria all securing wins to progress to the semifinals. Zimbabwe defeated Morocco 43-8, Algeria swept aside Ivory Coast 41-6, Namibia humbled Senegal 55-17, and Kenya edged Uganda 32-24 in a thrilling East African derby.
Sunday’s placement semifinals also determined the other pairings for the final day of the tournament. Uganda will now face Ivory Coast in the 7th place playoff, while Morocco and Senegal will contest the 5th place final after victories over Uganda and Ivory Coast respectively. Kenya, whose hopes of continental glory and a World Cup place have been dashed, will now face Algeria in the 3rd place playoff.
2025 Rugby Africa Cup Match Day 1: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Zimbabwe 43-8 Morocco
Algeria 41-6 Côte d’Ivoire
Namibia 55-17 Senegal
Kenya 32-24 Uganda
Match Day 2: Sunday, July 13, 2025 (Semifinals and Placements)
7th Place Semifinal: Côte d’Ivoire 3-28 Senegal
5th Place Semifinal: Morocco 24-12 Uganda
Semifinal 1: Algeria 7-21 Namibia
Semifinal 2: Zimbabwe 29-23 Kenya
Final Fixtures — Match Day 3: Saturday, July 19, 2025 (EAT)
7th Place Final – 10:00 AM
Côte d’Ivoire vs Uganda
5th Place Final – 12:00 PM
Morocco vs Senegal
3rd Place Final – 2:00 PM
Kenya Simbas vs Algeria
Rugby Africa Cup Final – 4:00 PM
Zimbabwe Sables vs Namibia
