Kenya Simbas head Coach Paul Odera has made two changes to his squad that will face Algeria in the Rugby Africa Cup semi-final scheduled for Stade Delort, Marseille on Wednesday at 7:00 PM.
Collins Injera and Vincent Onyala are absent with coach Odera having revealed on Tuesday that they had injury concerns. Injera absence is due to an abductor strain and it sees Kabras RFC winger Derrick Ashihundu come in on the left-wing. He joins the back three that has Darwin Mukidza and Jacob Ojee.
Vincent Onyala picked an ankle injury against Uganda and he is rested as Kabras RFC centre Bryceson Agesa Adaka comes in the midfield to partner with Menengai Oilers centre John Okoth who bagged a brace against Uganda.
The quarterfinal’s Man of the Match Samuel Asati retains his place at scrum-half with Dominic Coulson also keeping his place as the fly-half. Strathmore Leos’ Bethuel Anami continues to enjoy playtime at number eight and will have George Nyambua and Dan Sikuta as his flankers.
In the second row, the coach has retained Thomas Okeyo and George Nyambua with Patrick Ouko, Eugene Sifuna, and Ephraim Oduor leading from the front row.
The bench has Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Joseph Odero, Martin Owilah, Davis Chenge, Brian Tanga, Jone Kubu, and Andrew Matoka.
“There’s a positive mood in camp in spite of the fact that we’ve had to make two changes due to injury. Injera has not been able to shake off an abductor strain that he got during the Uganda match, so Derrick Ashihundu comes in as the starting left wing. He also brings on a different type of rugby to the game, he is strong and quick and we’re excited to see him play in his first test,” Odera told KRU Media.
“Vincent Onyala has an ankle injury which is pain free at the moment but we didn’t want to risk him due to player welfare. Bryceson Adaka who was our starting 13 in the qualifiers last year comes in as the outside center,” he added.
Kenya Simbas and Algeria will be facing off for the first time in history.
Kenya Simbas line up: 1. Patrick Ouko, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Malcolm Onsando, 5. Thomas Okeyo, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Daniel Sikuta – Captain, 8. Bethwel Anami, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Dominic Coulson, 11. Derrick Ashihundu, 12. John Okoth, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 14. Jacob Ojee, 15. Darwin Mukidza.
Reserves 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Edward Mwaura, 18. Joseph Odero, 19. Martin Owilah, 20. Davis Chenge, 21. Brian Tanga, 22. Jone Kubu, 23. Andrew Matoka
