Kenya national fifteens rugby team has a tough assignment ahead as Namibia rugby come calling when both sides fight for the African ticket to the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Sunday.
This is after both sides reached the Rugby Africa Cup finals on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.
Namibia beat Zimbabwe Sables 34-19 while Kenya Simbas saw off Algeria 36-33 in a closely-contested semifinals on Wednesday. Zimbabwe and Algeria will contest the third-place playoff.
On their way to the finals the Paul Odera coached side scored six tries converting three while Algeria scored five tries converting four, with KCB’s Samuel Asati showcasing his prowess with a Man of the Match performance.
John Okoth grabbed a brace with Eugene Sifuna, Bryceson Adaka and Darwin Mukidza all on the scoresheet for the national team.
The ever-present Mukidza converted two tries while Fijian born John Kubu converted a try scored by Sifuna.
With one automatic qualification spot at RWC 2023 up for grabs in France, it means that the victorious team must win three matches in less than 10 days to take their place in Pool A as Africa 1 next year.
Both Kenya and Namibia met in 2018 fighting for a place at the 2019 Rugby World Cup with Namibia emerging 53-28 winners at home.
Whoever emerges as Rugby Africa Cup 2022 champions on Sunday will take their place in Pool A at RWC 2023 as Africa 1, alongside France, New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay. The runners-up will head into the Final Qualification Tournament.