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.
Click to buy Kakamega Ingo 7s tickets
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](https://scrummage.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2.png)
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.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Kanyanya’s transition from rugby pitch to police beat
- Mbeche’s epic ride in push for Eye Care awareness
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.
![](https://scrummage.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ScrummageAfricaLogo-12.png)