Zimbabwe Dominates Morocco as Rugby Africa Men’s Cup Kicks Off in Kampala
Mandela National Stadium, Kampala – July 8, 2025
Defending champions Zimbabwe sent an emphatic message to their rivals with a commanding victory over Morocco as the 2025 Rugby Africa Men’s Cup roared into life at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. With the prestigious Webb Ellis Cup on display and a spot at the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia up for grabs, the stakes could not be higher.
The eight-team tournament, which features the continent’s top rugby nations, will run over 11 days and promises fierce battles as teams chase Africa’s sole automatic qualification ticket to the game’s biggest stage.
Returning as champions after their historic triumph last year that ended Namibia’s long reign, Zimbabwe looked every bit the side to beat. Their comprehensive win against Morocco underscored their intent to defend their crown and make their first Rugby World Cup appearance since 1991.
Champions Begin with Authority
Led by captain and scrum-half Hilton Mudariki, the Sables brought continuity and confidence to the pitch, having maintained the core of their squad over the past year. That cohesion was on full display as they overpowered Morocco, a side returning to top-tier African rugby after a seven-year absence.
“There’s always pressure being defending champions,” Mudariki said after the game. “But we’ve focused on what we’ve built over the last 12 months. We know there’s a target on our backs, but we’re staying true to our game.”
Zimbabwe’s recent form supports their strong start. In November, they beat the UAE 62-22 in Dubai and followed it up with a gritty 27-22 win over South Korea in Incheon—both fixtures serving as vital tune-ups for this crucial tournament.
Morocco’s Return Meets Harsh Reality
Morocco’s captain Adil Achahbar had anticipated a tough outing, and Zimbabwe provided just that. Despite their enthusiasm about returning to elite African competition, the North Africans found the pace and power of the Sables overwhelming.
“We’re excited to be back in the top division, but we knew it would be a tough start,” Achahbar admitted. “Zimbabwe are a quality side, and we’ll have to regroup quickly for our next match.”
Familiar Faces Eye Redemption
Elsewhere, last year’s surprise finalists Algeria are also in the spotlight. Having fallen to Zimbabwe in the 2024 final, they return with renewed focus. Their captain, Marvyn Youcef, emphasized the need for composure in tight games.
“We’ve learned a lot from last year,” said Youcef. “We need to stay calm in high-pressure situations. Margins are small, and every decision counts.”
Their opening opponents, Ivory Coast, are seeking revenge after a disappointing campaign in 2024. Although ranked 58th in the world—the lowest in the tournament—captain Élias Coulibaly made it clear they won’t be pushovers.
“Algeria is a strong team, but we’ve evolved,” Coulibaly said. “We’re here to fight, and nobody should underestimate us.”
Namibia: A Giant to Rebound?
Namibia, once the unshakable giant of African rugby with six consecutive titles, will be looking to bounce back from a shock semi-final exit last year. Their preparations have been turbulent—most notably, the departure of head coach Chrysander Botha ahead of their June 27 loss to Italy, where they were hammered 73-6.
Despite recent setbacks, the Welwitschias remain a force, and their response in this year’s tournament will be closely watched.
With the Rugby Africa Men’s Cup now underway and the World Cup ticket hanging in the balance, the battle lines are drawn. For Zimbabwe, the path to Australia 2027 has started brightly—but the real test will be maintaining that momentum through the coming days of elite continental competition.