Kenya Simbas fall to Algeria, settle for fourth at 2025 Rugby Africa Cup

The Kenya Simbas wrapped up their 2025 Rugby Africa Cup campaign on a disappointing note, falling 15-5 to Algeria in the bronze medal playoff played on Saturday afternoon at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.

In a match defined by physicality and defensive resilience, the Simbas were unable to find their rhythm, allowing Algeria to secure third place in the continental showpiece for the second year running.

Algeria made an explosive start, with Benjamin Caminati touching down in the opening minute to give the North Africans a quick 5-0 lead. The conversion by Enzo Kralfa went wide, but Algeria had set the tone early.

Kenya responded with a well-executed rolling maul in the 8th minute, with prop Teddy Akala crashing over for the Simbas’ only try of the game. Brian Wahinya failed to convert, leaving the score tied at 5-5.

The Algerians, however, looked more composed and regained control midway through the first half. A powerful attacking phase ended with Kamil Bouregba diving over the line, and this time the conversion was good, giving Algeria a 12-5 advantage at the break.

Despite showing moments of promise, the Simbas failed to capitalize on possession in the second half. A combination of handling errors, missed tackles, and Algeria’s discipline at the breakdown stifled any real comeback effort. A late penalty by Algeria took the score to 15-5, effectively sealing Kenya’s fate.

Kenya head coach Jerome Paarwater had rotated the squad following their narrow 29-23 semifinal loss to Zimbabwe, handing starts to Samuel Ovwamu and Vincent Mwikhali in a bid to inject fresh energy. But against a tactically organized Algerian side, the changes failed to yield the desired impact.

The Simbas had earlier booked their spot in the semis with a spirited 32-24 win over Uganda, but back-to-back losses to Zimbabwe and Algeria now see them finish fourth overall just as they did in last year’s edition.

Algeria’s win caps a solid campaign for the North Africans, who began their tournament with a commanding 41-6 win over Ivory Coast, before being knocked out in the semifinals by Namibia (21-7).

For Kenya, the result not only marks the end of their medal hopes but also puts a dent in their path to qualification for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with the team now requiring strong performances in upcoming continental fixtures to stay in contention.

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