Impressive Kenya Simbas thrash Uganda to qualify for Rugby Africa Cup semis
Kenya’s rugby fifteens national team fondly known as the Simbas put up an impressive performance to qualify for the 2023 World Cup semifinals after demolishing neighbours Uganda 42-07 in the quarter-finals played at the Stade Maurice-David in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, France.
Kenya scored seven tries converting two plus a penalty against Uganda’s one converted try.
Menengai Oilers utility John Okoth bagged a brace in the win with Thomas Okeyo, Teddy Akala, Bethwel Anami and Samuel Asati also going over for the national team.
The ever-present Darwin Mukidza was on standby to convert two conversions as the national team bullied their opponents in the mouthwatering fixture.
The Paul Odera coached side will either face Senegal or Algeria in the semifinals on Wednesday, July 6 as they focus on qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.
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.
The losing finalist will still have a chance to secure their ticket to RWC 2023 through the Final Qualification Tournament.
Namibia and Zimbabwe booked their place in the semis on Friday evening courtesy of 71-5 and 38-11 wins over Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast respectively.
The winner of the eight-team knockout tournament will qualify as Africa 1 and will play in Pool A against defending champions New Zealand, host France, Italy and Uruguay.
