Zimbabwe Cheetahs Claim 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Title with Dramatic 26-19 Win Over Hosts Uganda

Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs sealed an undefeated campaign and a place in the 2027 World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 by defeating hosts Uganda 26-19 in a thrilling final of the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens Series (also serving as the World Rugby SVNS 3 Africa Qualifiers) at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

The victory capped a perfect 5-0 tournament for the Cheetahs, who scored 135 points and conceded 81 across the two days. It also marked Zimbabwe’s fourth Africa Sevens title, following previous successes in 2000, 2012 and 2018, and provided a strong early statement under new head coach Fortunate Chipendu.

Path to the Final

Zimbabwe dominated Pool A with wins over Morocco (19-12), Ghana (40-17) and Nigeria (26-14). In the semi-final they overcame a determined Zambia side 24-19 (some reports list it as 25-19), recovering after Zambia fought back from a heavy deficit to level the scores before Trevor Gurwe’s late try secured progression.

Uganda, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, reached the decider with a dominant 10-0 semi-final shutout of Morocco. Strong defence and standout contributions from players such as Daniel Otim (also referred to as Daniels Otim in some reports) powered the Rugby Cranes. The hosts also benefited from a morale-boosting visit by Princess Katrina Sarah Mirembe Ssangalyambogo during the event.

A See-Saw Final

Uganda started strongly and raced into a 12-0 lead. Daniel Otim scored the opener, with Malcolm Okello adding the second try to energise the Kyadondo faithful.

Zimbabwe responded before half-time through PK Manyakara (also reported as Patrick Kanyaka/Manyakara), reducing the deficit to 12-5 at the break.

After the restart the Cheetahs seized control. Tatenda Kamubvumbi levelled the scores, and Manyakara struck again to put Zimbabwe ahead. Uganda refused to yield: Nobert Okeny capitalised on a loose pass and raced almost the length of the field to restore parity at 19-19.

With the game on a knife-edge and Uganda reduced to six players after a sin-bin (Ian Munyani), Zimbabwe produced the decisive play. Dion Khumalo forced a crucial turnover and set up a slick move that ended with Tavonga Ablant (Ablant Tavonga) grounding the ball in the corner in the dying moments. The final score: Zimbabwe 26, Uganda 19.

Voices from the Final

Zimbabwe captain Tapiwa Malenga hailed the team’s consistency: “This is a very big achievement, and it has come as a result of hard work… We fought throughout the tournament and it means a lot for us and the people back home. We stayed in the game and made sure we got that win.” He described the triumph as “surreal.”

Uganda coach Allan Otim acknowledged the shift in momentum: “We started well and took command going into the interval. But we did not handle the game well in the second half and had a player sin-binned, which affected us.”

Broader Context

The tournament formed part of Rugby Africa’s celebrations of 40 years and showcased high-energy Sevens rugby with growing fan passion across the continent. Rugby Africa had adjusted the format after the original Mauritius hosting plans were postponed, designating the Kampala event as the official continental qualifier.

Only the champions earned direct promotion to the 2027 HSBC SVNS 3. Zimbabwe now return to the global Sevens pathway, while Uganda will look ahead to the next qualification cycle.

Morocco claimed third place with a narrow 19-17 win over Zambia in the bronze final.

The Cheetahs’ perfect record and composure under pressure in a hostile environment underline a promising new chapter for Zimbabwean Sevens. Fans back home will celebrate a hard-earned continental crown and the prospect of competing on the international stage once more.