The two fierce rivals have met 24 times since 1981, with the Southern Africans winning 14 to Kenya's ten, and Sunday's match promises to be a blockbuster.
The two sides had contrasting fortunes in the opening matches played on Tuesday, with Zimbabwe overcoming Morocco 43-8 while the Simbas were made to sweat by Uganda before winning 32-24.
The last time the two sides met, the Simbas overpowered a second-string Sables outfit, winning 48-7 in the Victoria Cup at the Nakuru Athletic Club in 2023.
Head coach Jerome Paarwater has warned his charges about the quality of Zimbabwe and the history between the two sides. “We watched their game against Morocco, and we have been watching their videos for the past couple of days. Our discipline at the breakdown has to be good, or they will punish us with penalties."
He added, "We have to be dominant upfront in our forward play and be secure in our scrum and lineout. We also have to minimise errors with our ball handling because this match will come down to who will seize the key moments, “ observed Paarwater.
At stake is a place in the final to face either Algeria or Namibia and a ticket to the Rugby World Cup in Australia in 2027. Paarwater believes his charges will raise the intensity and physicality for the do-or-die showdown.
“ The boys are in good spirits and know the areas they have to improve. From our game management to defence, we are looking forward to a competitive battle against Zimbabwe,” he added.
The South African tactician will start with the same forward pack which played against Uganda, and that will include skipper George Nyamabua, Andy Cole Omolo, who was named Man of the Match against Uganda, alongside Ephraim Oduor, Thomas Okeyo and France-based Bethuel Anami in the pack.
In the back, Samuel Asati will continue his partnership with Barry Robinson, with Walter Okoth and Brycson Adaka starting in midfield. Kabras winger Griffin Chao, Timothy Omela, and Fijian-born Jone Kubu will start in the back three. The final of the Africa Cup will be played on July 19.
