Rugby
Kenya Simbas Fall to Algeria in Rugby Africa Cup Semi-Final
The Kenya Simbas, the national men’s Rugby 15s team, are out of the Rugby Africa Cup after a 20-12 semi-final loss to Algeria on July 24, 2024, at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Namboole, Uganda.
Algeria avenged their 36-33 defeat to the Simbas in the 2022 semi-finals in France. Kenya had lost to Namibia in the 2022 final, missing out on a spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Kenya started strong with a try from vice-captain Eugene Sifuna, followed by a conversion from Okwemba, leading 7-3. Algeria responded with a try from Thomas Patrick Lacroix, but Kenya went into halftime with a 12-8 lead after a try from Beldad Ogeta.
In the second half, Algeria dominated, scoring four penalties to secure a 20-12 victory and advance to the finals.
In the other semi-final, Zimbabwe defeated defending champions Namibia 32-10, setting up a final against Algeria. The winner will face the Asian champion in a playoff for a spot in the expanded 2027 Rugby World Cup.