The Kenya Simbas have 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.
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Both teams, who have traditionally met in the decider of this competition, found themselves in the third-place playoff after unexpected semifinal losses.
Namibia lead against Kenya Simbas
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 was shifted left to Beldad Ogeta, who scored his third try of the competition in the left corner.
Kenya Simbas and Algeria captains. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique
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.
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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.
