Kenya Simbas Fall to Algeria 20-12 in Rugby Africa Cup Semi-Finals
The Kenya Simbas will now face the loser of the second semifinal in the third-place playoff.
By Mahlon Lichuma
The Kenya Simbas have been knocked out of the Rugby Africa Cup after a 20-12 loss to Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.
This match mirrored the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup semi-final, where the Simbas triumphed 36-33 in France to reach the final.
The game began with intense competition from both teams. Algeria scored the first points through Julien Serge Caminati, bringing the score to 3-0 in the fourth minute. Minutes later, Timothy Okwemba missed a penalty attempt to level the score for the Simbas.
Despite failing to capitalize on crucial attacking line-outs, the Simbas managed a try through vice-captain Eugene Sifuna from close range, with Okwemba adding the extra two points to take a 7-3 lead.
Algeria quickly responded. Fares Leulmi Pierre Boulkenafet evaded his marker and passed the ball to Thomas Patrick Lacroix, who scored an unconverted try, giving Algeria an 8-7 lead.
The Simbas, determined to fight back, saw Beldad Ogeta score an impressive solo try, beating several markers to touch down and reclaim a 12-8 lead.
In the second half, Caminati scored two penalties, bringing the score to 14-12. Despite several opportunities, Algeria couldn’t score another try. However, in the dying minutes of the game, Caminati drilled in two more penalties, stretching Algeria’s lead to 20-12 before the final whistle.
The Kenya Simbas will now face the loser of the second semifinal in the third-place playoff.
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