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Kenya Simbas have finished fourth in the Rugby Africa Cup, following a 38-22 defeat to Namibia in the third-place playoff held on Sunday at Nelson Mandela Stadium.

Traditionally contenders for the final, both teams found themselves in the third-place match after unexpected semifinal losses. Namibia started strong, taking an early lead with a penalty by Denzo Bruwer to make it 3-0.

Kenya Simbas response

The Simbas responded promptly when Michael Wanjala made significant gains into Namibian territory, leading to a ruck. The ball was then shifted left to Beldad Ogeta, who scored his third try of the tournament in the left corner.

Bruwer extended Namibia’s lead with two additional penalties, bringing the score to 9-5. Namibia’s first try came from winger Querion Majiedt, set up by flanker Peter Diergaardt, with Bruwer converting to make it 16-5.

Namibia’s second try came from Lloyd Jacobs, who slipped past the Kenyan defense after receiving a long pass from Jacques Theron. The successful conversion pushed the score to 23-5. Another penalty from Bruwer extended Namibia’s lead to 26-5 at halftime.

The Simbas came out strong in the second half. Thomas Okeyo scored following a well-coordinated build-up, and Abutwalib Wesonga’s conversion narrowed the gap to 26-12. A penalty kick further reduced the deficit to 26-15.

Namibia responded by capitalizing on a Kenyan turnover. A grubber kick was gathered by Nandi Karuuombe, who scored a converted try to extend the lead to 33-15.

Kenya Simbas fightback

The Simbas fought back with a try near the posts by prop Ephraim Oduor, and Barry Robinson’s conversion brought the score to 33-22.

Namibia quickly countered with another try from Theron, increasing their lead to 38-22. Despite a late effort by Derrick Ashihundu, who made a strong run off the bench to score, the Simbas could not bridge the gap further, concluding the match at 38-27.