Zimbabwe defeated Uganda 26-19 in Kampala to win the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens title and secure promotion to World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3.
KAMPALA, Uganda — Zimbabwe’s Cheetahs have won the 2026 Africa Men’s Sevens title after defeating hosts Uganda 26-19 in a dramatic final at Kyadondo Rugby Grounds in Kampala.
The victory on Sunday, September 27, capped an impressive two-day campaign for Zimbabwe and also secured the team promotion to the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Zimbabwe faced a difficult start to the final as Uganda raced into a 12-0 lead in front of a passionate home crowd. Daniel Otim opened the scoring before Malcolm Okello added another try as the Rugby Cranes took control early in the contest.
The Cheetahs responded before halftime through PK Manyakara, who powered over the line to reduce Uganda’s advantage to 12-5.
Zimbabwe returned from the break with renewed intensity. Tatenda Kamubvumbi broke through to level the match before Manyakara added another try to put Zimbabwe ahead.
Uganda refused to surrender. Nobert Okeny intercepted a loose Zimbabwe pass and raced almost the length of the field to score, bringing the hosts back into the contest.
With the match finely poised, Zimbabwe produced the decisive moment. A well-worked attacking move created space for Tavonga Ablant, who crossed in the corner to seal a 26-19 victory and trigger celebrations among the Zimbabwean players and travelling supporters.
Zimbabwe captain Tapiwa Malenga described the achievement as a major moment for the team and said the players had fought throughout the tournament to secure the victory.
Zimbabwe’s Road to the Final
The Cheetahs were unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Zimbabwe opened their campaign with a 19-12 victory over Morocco before defeating Ghana 40-17 on the first day of competition.
On the second day, Zimbabwe defeated Nigeria before edging Zambia 25-19 in the semi-final. Zambia had fought back from 19-0 down to level the semi-final at 19-19, but a late try from Trevor Gurwe sent Zimbabwe through to the final.
Uganda reached the final after beating Morocco 10-0 in the other semi-final.
Zimbabwe Secure SVNS 3 Promotion
Beyond the title, the Kampala tournament carried significant importance because it served as the African qualifier for the World Rugby HSBC SVNS 3 competition.
Zimbabwe’s victory secured their promotion to SVNS 3, giving the Cheetahs an opportunity to compete on the global sevens circuit.
The tournament featured eight African nations — Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Morocco, Nigeria, Ghana, Tunisia and Senegal — competing over two days in Kampala.
Final Results
Cup Final
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe 26-19 Uganda 🇺🇬
Bronze Final
🇲🇦 Morocco 19-17 Zambia 🇿🇲
5th Place Final
🇹🇳 Tunisia 19-7 Nigeria 🇳🇬
7th Place Final
🇸🇳 Senegal 28-12 Ghana 🇬🇭
Zimbabwe leave Kampala as Africa Men’s Sevens champions, while Uganda will reflect on a tournament that saw the hosts reach the final on home soil before narrowly missing out on the title.