The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup kicks off tomorrow, July 8, at Namboole Stadium, with defending champions Zimbabwe facing Morocco at 10 AM EAT in the opening match.
All eight of Africa’s top rugby nations have arrived in Kampala, settling at Speke Resort Munyonyo. But starting Tuesday, the focus shifts from calm to competition with a single ticket to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia on the line.
Zimbabwe, champions in 2024, return with their sights set on a first World Cup appearance since 1991. Led by captain Hilton Mudariki, the Sables bring back a familiar squad with a few new additions.
“We know we’ve got a target on our back,” Mudariki said. “But the big thing is to focus on ourselves.”
Morocco returns to top-flight African rugby after a seven-year absence. Their captain, Adil Achahbar, is eager to make a statement.
“Zimbabwe in the first game is a challenge, but we are ready,” he said.
2024 finalists Algeria take on Côte d’Ivoire in another quarterfinal. Algerian captain Marvyn Youcef emphasized composure after last year’s close call, while Ivorian skipper Élias Coulibaly promised an intense contest.
“Algeria is good, but they can expect a big fight from us,” Coulibaly said.
Uganda, the host nation, opens against archrivals Kenya in a highly anticipated East African derby to close out Day One.
“They always give us a hard time,” said Uganda captain Byron Oketayot. “But we’re ready.” Kenya, fresh off a tour in South Africa, brings a renewed sense of purpose.
“These are qualifiers, and we’re taking them seriously,” said captain George Nyambua.
Namibia, a World Cup regular since 1999, is looking to bounce back after a surprise semifinal exit to Zimbabwe last year.
“It depends on the day who wants it more,” said captain Prince Gaoseb. They begin their run against Senegal, whose captain Demba Kane called the clash a massive opportunity. “Namibia is the benchmark in Africa.”
The 12-day knockout tournament will determine not just Africa’s World Cup representative but also promotion to the second-tier Nations Cup. The final is set for July 19, with one team earning a shot at the global stage in Australia.
