Rugby Africa Cup: Simbas settle for fourth after Namibia loss
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 28.07.24. | 21:51
The match was a repeat of the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup final-cum-Rugby World Cup qualifier in France, where Kenya lost 36-0, allowing the Southern Africans to clinch an automatic ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup
The Kenya Simbas secured the fourth spot after a 38-22 defeat to Namibia in the Rugby Africa Cup third-place playoff, held on Sunday at Nelson Mandela Stadium.
The match was a repeat of the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup final-cum-Rugby World Cup qualifier in France, where Kenya lost 36-0, allowing the Southern Africans to clinch an automatic ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Namibia took an early lead with a penalty from Denzo Bruwer, making it 3-0. Kenya responded when Michael Wanjala made significant inroads into Namibia’s territory, leading to a ruck.
The ball shifted left to Beldad Ogeta, who scored his third try of the competition in the left corner.
Bruwer added two more penalties, extending Namibia’s lead to 9-5. Namibia’s first try came from winger Querion Majiedt, set up by flanker Peter Diergaardt, with Bruwer converting for a 16-5 lead.
Namibia’s second try was scored by Lloyd Jacobs, who slipped past Kenyan defenders after receiving a long-range pass from Jacques Theron.
The successful conversion brought the score to 23-5. A further penalty from Bruwer saw Namibia take a 26-5 lead into halftime.
After the break, the Simbas showed determination, with Thomas Okeyo scoring following an impressive build-up. Abutwalib Wesonga’s conversion narrowed the gap to 26-12. Kenya then added a penalty, making it 26-15.
Kenya Simbas Suffer In the Bronze Medal finals clash against Namibia to settle for the Fourth place in the 2024 Rugby Africa Cup.
— Jonathan Bilaso (@ItsBilaso) July 28, 2024
FT
Kenya 27, Namibia 38
Alot of work need to be done on this team ahead of the Elgon Cup and Victoria Cup Fixtures#RugbyAfricaCup2024 I #RugbyKE pic.twitter.com/DSTVJXYh25
However, Namibia capitalized on a Kenyan turnover, with a grubber kick gathered by Nandi Karuuombe, who scored a converted try, extending the lead to 33-15. The Simbas fought back, scoring near the posts through prop Ephraim Oduor, with Barry Robinson converting to make it 33-22.
Namibia responded immediately with another try from Theron, bringing the score to 38-22. Despite a late try from Derrick Ashihundu, who made a strong run off the bench, the Simbas couldn’t close the gap further, finishing with a 38-27 scoreline.
Kenya Simbas squad for Namibia challenge
1.Edward Mwaura (Kabras Sugar RFC) 2. Griffin Musila (KCB RC) 3. Wilhite Mususi (KCB RC) 4. Thomas Okeyo (Griffons RFC) 5. Malcolm Onsando – C (Timisoara RC) 6. Clinton Odhiambo (Menengai Oilers) 7. Obat Kuke *(KU Blak Blad) 8. Elkeans Musonye (Menengai Oilers) 9. Michael Wanjala (KCB RC) 10. Abutwalib Wesonga (Menengai Oilers) 11. Alfred Orege (Kabras Sugar RFC) 12. Paul Mutsami (Kenya Harlequin RC) 13. Richel Wangila (Kenya Harlequin) 14. Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers) 15. Barry Robinson – VC (Kabras Sugar RFC) 16. Eugene Sifuna (Kabras Sugar RFC) 17. Ephraim Oduor (Kabras Sugar RFC) 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa (Kabras Sugar RFC) 19. Ibrahim Ayoo (Menengai Oilers) 20. Hilary Odhiambo (Kabras Sugar RFC) 21. George Nyambua (Kabras Sugar RFC) 22. Samson Onsomu (Menengai Oilers) 23. Derrick Ashihundu (Kabras Sugar RFC)
