Kenya Simbas Lick Their Wounds as Zimbabwe Reap Fruits of Proper Planning with First World Cup Ticket in 34 Years

Kenya Simbas have been left to rue their missed opportunity after their conquerors Zimbabwe qualified for the Rugby World Cup for the first time since 1991.

As Kenya Simbas count their losses, Zimbabwe, the team that beat them in the semi-final of the Africa Cup are headed to the Rugby World Cup.

Zimbabwe secured their place in the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia with a thrilling 30-28 victory over Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup final in Kampala, making a return to the tournament after a 36-year absence, their last appearance being in 1991.

This will be Zimbabwe's third World Cup appearance, having also participated in the inaugural tournament in 1987. As defending Rugby Africa Cup champions, having defeated Namibia in last year's semi-finals, the Sables entered Saturday's final with confidence.

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The match was closely contested, with the score tied 16-16 at halftime. Tries from Godfrey Muzanargwo and Brandon Mudzekenyedzi early in the second half appeared to give Zimbabwe a commanding lead.

Zimbabwe End Namibia’s Long World Cup Run

However, Namibia, coached by former Saracens back-rower Jacques Burger, fought back with tries from Jay-Cee Nel and Adriaan Booysen, narrowing the gap to just two points with 10 minutes remaining.

Despite a late surge, Namibia couldn't find the winning score. A 79th-minute penalty attempt by substitute Tiaan Swanepoel from inside his own half sailed wide, sealing Zimbabwe's victory.

This result ends Namibia's long run of World Cup qualifications, having participated in the last seven tournaments. Aside from Namibia, only Ivory Coast have qualified for the Rugby World Cup from Africa since 1995.

While Zimbabwe join reigning champions South Africa in securing their spot, Namibia still have a chance to qualify.

Kenya Pay the Price as Sable Reap from Good Planning

They will face the United Arab Emirates, runners-up in the Asia Rugby Men's Championship, in a play-off next Saturday. The winner will advance to the four-team Final Qualification Tournament in Dubai this November.

Zimbabwe have reaped the fruits of good organisation and investment in the game at a time when Kenya, who have beaten them a number of times before, are rocked in chaos, especially in the boardroom.

Kenya’s most recent wins over Zimbabwe have been in 2019 and 2023 but failure to invest heavily, occasioned by lack of funding from a Kenya Rugby Union that is struggling to attract sponsors due to wrangles, has hampered them even if they had preparations in South Africa before the latest qualifiers.

Kenya’s 2025 Africa Cup did not go according to plan as after beating Uganda 32-24 in the quarter-final, they were outclassed by Zimbabwe, who beat them 29-23 in the semi-final, and any hopes of ending the tournament with the consolation of third place went up in smoke as they lost 15-5 to Algeria in the playoff.