Kenya Simbas out to tame Zimbabwe in Rugby Africa Cup semifinal

Kenya Simbas will be out to defy the odds and edge closer to a historic World Cup qualification when they face off against Zimbabwe in the Rugby Africa Cup semifinal on Sunday, 13 July, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

The match kicks off at 1600 hours.

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Having knocked out hosts Uganda in a tense 32-24 quarterfinal clash, the Simbas are now the last East African team standing.

The team's captain, George Nyambua, believes regional support could give them the extra boost they need to topple the defending champions.

“We saw during our match against Uganda that our fans turned up in large numbers. So today, I’m calling upon Kenyans in Uganda and Ugandan fans as well to come and support us, because this is now an East African affair,” Nyambua offered.

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The clash is a do-or-die encounter with high stakes: a place in the Rugby Africa Cup final and an automatic ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Zimbabwe head into the semifinal in ruthless form after dispatching Morocco 43-8 in their last outing. They will also be driven by a major incentive, after Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa offered a generous US$100,000 (Ksh 13 million) reward to the team in their World Cup qualification bid.

The Sables, who last graced the global stage in 1991, are keen to reclaim their place on the international stage, but Kenya will be looking to deny them and make history of their own.

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Backed by a passionate fan base and coming off a strong showing against the Rugby Cranes, the Simbas are confident but aware of the challenge that awaits.

Kenya have made just one tweak to their squad ahead of the semifinal. Winger Derrick Ashihundu returns to the starting XV, replacing Timothy Omela on the right flank.

He will link up with Griffin Chao on the opposite wing, with Chao having already made his mark in the tournament with two tries.

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Jone Kubu continues at fullback, while Walter Okoth and Bryceson Adaka retain their midfield roles. Samuel Asati and Barry Young once again form the halfback pairing, with Young expected to provide calm leadership and tactical control from fly-half.

The forward pack remains largely unchanged. Eugene Sifuna starts at hooker, flanked by Ephraim Oduor and Wilhite Mususi.

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Bethuel Anami anchors the back row at number eight, supported by Thomas Okeyo and Patrick Sabatia, who earns only his second cap.

Skipper Nyambua partners Andycole Omolo in the second row, with the duo offering both physicality and experience in the tight exchanges.

The day's action kicks off with ranking semifinals, where Ivory Coast take on Senegal. In the other main semifinal, Algeria meet Namibia in what promises to be another explosive showdown.

Algeria, making a third straight semifinal appearance, cruised past Ivory Coast 41-6 to book their slot. Namibia, a former African powerhouse, demolished Senegal 55-17 and are hungry to reclaim continental dominance.

Meanwhile, hosts Uganda will face Morocco in a consolation clash after both were eliminated in the quarters.

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