Reigning champions Zimbabwe and last year’s runners-up Algeria made emphatic starts to their 2025 Rugby Africa Cup campaigns with convincing wins on the tournament’s opening day at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Zimbabwe, looking to defend their title, brushed aside Morocco 43-8 in a rain-affected match that saw the Sables come alive in the second half. Star flyhalf Ian Prior put on a kicking masterclass, notching 23 points through a combination of penalties and conversions to lead his side to victory.
Tries from fullback Tapiwa Mafura, wingers Edward Sigauke and Trevor Gurwe, and substitute back-row Dylan Utete ensured Zimbabwe pulled away after leading 16-5 at halftime. Morocco had briefly led through an early try from hooker Hassan Haimiche, but the Southern Africans quickly took control and never looked back.
Zimbabwe will face either Uganda or Kenya in the semi-finals scheduled for July 13. The two East African powerhouses are set to clash later in the day in what was expected to be a thrilling quarterfinal showdown in front of a vocal home crowd.
In the second match of the day, Algeria showcased their growing dominance in African rugby with a commanding 41-6 win over Côte d’Ivoire. Outside-centre Nadir Megdoud was the standout performer, scoring two tries and earning man-of-the-match honors.
Scrumhalf Gilene Queheille, Aymeric Tronc, and Mohammed Abdel Hamid Makri also crossed the line for the North Africans, who now advance to the semi-finals to face the winner between Namibia and Senegal.
The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup features eight top national teams—Uganda, Namibia, Kenya, Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Zimbabwe—competing in a knockout format. The winner will earn Africa’s automatic qualification spot to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia and a berth in the second division of the Nations Cup.
All matches are being played at Mandela National Stadium and broadcast live on NBS Sport, with global streaming via RugbyPass TV and the Rugby Africa Facebook page. Local fans can purchase tickets through MTN MoMo platforms, with both general admission and VIP packages available.
