Advertisement

How costly errors left Simbas short of glory 

How costly errors left Simbas short of glory 
Simbas’ focus has now shifted to Algeria for the bronze playoffs in Kampala this Saturday, July 19, 2025. PHOTO/KRU

Kenya Simbas’ quest for a historic Rugby World Cup 15s debut was dashed by a crushing 29-23 loss to Zimbabwe, after surrendering an 18-13 halftime lead through costly second-half errors that left fans questioning when the team will finally break the World Cup barrier. 

The Africa Cup defending champions, Zimbabwe and Namibia, will now face off in the cup final on Saturday, July 19, 2025, where the winner will earn direct qualification to the RWC, while the loser will meet Asia’s regional qualifier runners-up, the United Arab Emirates, in the final qualifier. 

Zero impact playoffs 

Simbas’ focus has now shifted to Algeria for the bronze playoffs, which have no impact on RWC qualification, set to be played at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala this Saturday. 

Zimbabwe were first to register points in the game through Brandon Mudzekenyedzi’s opening try, which was unconverted, to take a 5-0 lead. 

Aware of the danger of conceding early points in such a crucial match, Kenya’s forwards got back to work with a superb maul that gained ground, allowing hooker Eugene Sifuna to cross the try line and level the scores at 5-5. 

Emotions flared when Zimbabwe pushed for another try, forcing Simbas winger Griffin Chao into a high tackle.

A sin bin was issued, reducing the Simbas to 14 men, and the Sables slotted in a penalty to retake the lead at 8-5. 

Jone Kubu levelled the scores with a penalty, but Zimbabwe’s skipper Hilton Mudariki scored an unconverted try to claim a brief 13-8 lead. 

Kubu’s boot remained sharp as he slotted another successful penalty to narrow the gap to two points.  

In the final minute of the first half, the Simbas defended well and forced Zimbabwe into an error, which speedster Griffin Chao punished with a try converted by Kubu, giving Kenya an 18-13 lead at the break. 

Wasted chances 

The second half brought heartbreak for Kenyan fans as they watched the Simbas squander chances and commit unforced errors, which Zimbabwe capitalised on, scoring 16 points to lead 29-18.

Kenya managed a late try through Teddy Akala to close the match at 29-23. 

The Simbas will remember how their mistakes handed Zimbabwe a converted try, two penalties and a drop goal in one half. 

The match against Algeria this Saturday will now be a battle for pride and redemption, especially after losing to Algeria in the previous edition. 

The Simbas had been made the national priority team following the relegation of Kenya Shujaa from the revamped World Sevens Series. But with failure to earn RWC qualification, fans are left hurting most, raising the question: when will the Simbas finally rise to the occasion and secure a historic Rugby World Cup spot against familiar foes? 

Author

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.
Advertisement