Kenya Simbas sent packing by Algeria in Rugby Africa Cup

The national men’s Rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, are out of contention for the Rugby Africa Cup after going down 20-12 to Algeria in a semi-final match on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.

It was sweet revenge for Algeria who lost 36-33 to the Simbas in the 2022 semi-finals in France to reach the finals.

Kenya eventually lost to Namibia, who clinched a ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Kenya Simbas kicked off the campaign with a try from vice captain Eugene Sifuna, before Okwemba scored the conversion to give Kenya a 7-3 lead.

Algeria responded with a try courtesy of Thomas Patrick Lacroix, but Kenya made sure they went into the break with a 12-8 lead, after Beldad Ogeta scored an impressive try.  

Kenya were completely overpowered in the second half, after Algeria scored four penalties to ensure the North Africans won the match 20-12 to sail to the finals of the tournament.

In the other semi-final match, Zimbabwe stunned defending champions Namibia 32-10, to set up a finals date with Algeria.

The winner will face the Asian champion in a playoff, where the victor will earn a ticket to the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup.