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Paarwater rues decision-making, indiscipline in Africa Cup defeat

Kenya fell 15-5 to Algeria in the bronze medal match as Zimbabwe beat Namibia 30-28 to qualify for Rugby World Cup

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by WILLIAM NJUGUNA

Sports21 July 2025 - 09:00
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In Summary


  • Paarwater could not hide his disappointment, which saw Kenya miss out on World Cup qualification after losing to eventual winners, Zimbabwe, in the semifinal.
  • “Disappointed with the performance. We did not maintain continuity in our attack, had handling errors, and conceded penalties at the breakdown. We made several changes to see if we could get a reaction, but it did not work,” observed Paarwater.
Kenya Simbas' winger Griffin Chao in action against Uganda during the Africa Cup in Kampala/HANDOUT




Kenya Simbas coach Jerome Paarwater lamented poor decision-making and indiscipline as the Simbas suffered a 15-5 defeat to Algeria in the Africa Cup bronze medal match in Kampala, Uganda, on Saturday.

In an error-strewn performance similar to last year’s debacle against the North Africans, which they lost 20-12, the Simbas looked bereft of ideas, especially in attack and could not get over the advantage line as their hopes of a medal went up in smoke.

Paarwater could not hide his disappointment, which saw Kenya miss out on World Cup qualification after losing to eventual winners, Zimbabwe, in the semifinal.

“Disappointed with the performance. We did not maintain continuity in our attack, had handling errors, and conceded penalties at the breakdown. We made several changes to see if we could get a reaction, but it did not work,” observed Paarwater.

“I think the team is mentally hurting from last week’s loss to Zimbabwe. Our preparations were better than last year. We had a month of high-performance training in South Africa to put the players in the best possible shape, but it has not worked out.”

Stand-in skipper Elkeans Musonye said they need long-term preparations if they are to qualify for the Rugby World Cup in the future.

“The boys gave their best, but long-term, we must have a structured approach, including playing matches against higher-ranked opponents over a long time, not just a month,” said Musonye. 

The players will now return to their clubs for the start of the National Sevens Series at the Driftwood edition in Mombasa on July 26-27 and the Kenya Cup in November.

Hooker Teddy Akala scored the lone try for Kenya. Benjamin Caminati and Kamil Bourgeba scored a try each for Algeria, Enzo Kralfa added a conversion, while Hugo Verdu added a drop goal. Algeria led 12-5 at the interval.

Zimbabwe ended a 34-year wait to qualify for the World Cup while Namibia heads to the intercontinental repechage in November.

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