The Kenya national 15’s men’s rugby team commonly known as Kenya Simbas are one match away from qualifying for the 2023 Rugby World Cup thanks to a narrow win over North African side Algeria at the ongoing Rugby Afrique Cup tournament in France.
Kenya 15's has never qualified for the Rugby World Cup but they have a better chance of doing it this year since they are guaranteed to face a familiar opponent. Their preparation for the qualifiers was challenging due to lack of funds.
The Kenyan side was forced to seek help online after the government failed to cater for their expenses. Luckily, Taita Taveta-based, Hildana Lodge came to their rescue with a morale boosting Ksh10 million sponsorship package.
Also Read: 5 Kenyan Athletes Who Currently Hold World Records
Kenya came from behind to beat Algeria 36-33 in a tough match played at Stade Delort in Marseille. The Algerians started the match strongly taking a 7-0 lead in the fifth minute.
The Paul Odera coached side slowly got into the match scoring their first try via Thomas Okeyo after Samuel Asati’s brilliant display.
Darwin Mukidza, John Okoth, John Kubu, Eugene Sifuna and Brycesson Adaka were also on the scoresheet for Kenya. Kenya Commercial Bank’s Samuel Asati bagged the man of the award.
Kenya Simbas will play in the final against either Zimbabwe or Namibia. The final is slated for Sunday, July 10. Should the Simbas clinch the African title, they will join the likes of New Zealand, France, Uruguay and Italy in Pool A of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Also Read: Global Stars You Didn't Know Have Kenyan Roots
Speaking after the match, coach Odera stated that he is so proud of his charges for a job well done.
“We struggled a bit in the set pieces but we have to give credit to them (Simbas). Every time Algeria came back at us, we were able to get ahead. Algeria, as expected, was going to be a tough opponent. They were always going to put us under a lot of pressure in the forwards.
“But mine is so much joy, we are one game away from coming back to France in 2023 which is huge. So proud of the team, just enjoying the win. We regroup, we recover and then we go again. The boys do realize that it is just 80 minutes away from making history as the first Simbas team to qualify for the Rugby World Cup,” Odera told Kenya Rugby Union.
Also Read: Uhuru Called Out Over Ksh5 Million Unfulfilled Promise to Struggling Club