Kenya Simbas wrapped up their Rugby Africa Cup 2025 campaign with a 15-5 defeat to Algeria in the 3rd Place Final on Saturday afternoon in Kampala, marking a disappointing end to their quest for a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Coming into the playoff, the Simbas had edged archrivals Uganda 32-24 in a thrilling East African derby, before narrowly losing to Zimbabwe 29-23 in a hard-fought semifinal.
Algeria, meanwhile, arrived in the third-place playoff after brushing aside Ivory Coast 41-6 and falling 21-7 to Namibia in the semifinals.
It was Algeria who got off to a flying start, with Benjamin Caminati crossing the try line in the opening minute. Enzo Kralfa’s conversion went wide, but the North Africans were on the board early at 5-0.
The Simbas responded swiftly, driving through a maul in the 8th minute for Teddy Akala to touch down. Brian Wahinya’s conversion attempt, however, went wide, leveling the scores at 5-5.
Algeria regained the lead in the 20th minute through Kamil Bouregba’s try, which was successfully converted for a 12-5 advantage a lead they maintained into halftime.
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Despite Kenya’s efforts to find a way back in the second half, Algeria’s defense held firm. A late drop goal from Hugo Verdu in the 72nd minute stretched the lead to 15-5.
Another drop goal attempt by Kralfa in the 77th minute missed, but Algeria had done enough to seal the win.
The result means Algeria finish third in the tournament, while the Simbas end their campaign in fourth place falling short of securing a qualification route to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
The loss marked end of Kenya Simbas’ 2025 Rugby Africa Campaign signaling a poor run and another missed opportunity for Kenya, whose wait for a first-ever World Cup appearance continues.
