Kenya Simbas bow out of Rugby Africa Cup after hard-fought loss to Algeria
By Rama Mohammed |
Last-minute penalties sealed Kenya's fate in Namboole
Kenya Simbas have been eliminated from the Rugby Africa Cup after a 20-12 defeat to Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole this afternoon.
This match echoed the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup semi-final, where the Simbas triumphed 36-33 in France to secure a spot in the final.
The opening minutes saw a back-and-forth battle, with Algeria's Julien Serge Caminati scoring the first points in the fourth minute, followed by Timothy Okwemba missing a penalty attempt for the Simbas.
Despite missing key attacking line-outs, the Simbas persisted, with vice-captain Eugene Sifuna scoring a try from close range after a ruck near the tryline. Okwemba converted, giving Kenya a 7-3 lead.
Algeria answered when Fares Leulmi Pierre Boulkenafet skillfully sidestepped his defender and passed to Thomas Patrick Lacroix, who scored to take an 8-7 lead.
Kenya regained the lead at 12-8 with a brilliant solo try by Beldad Ogeta, who evaded several defenders to touch down.
In the second half, Caminati added two penalties, shifting the score to 14-12 in favor of Algeria. Although Algeria had multiple opportunities to extend their lead, they failed to score another try.
Caminati's accurate kicking continued, as he slotted another penalty just before the 70th minute for a 17-12 lead and added one final penalty in the 78th minute to secure a 20-12 victory for Algeria.
The Kenya Simbas will now compete in the third-place playoff against the loser of the second semi-final.
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