Simbas Edge Uganda Cranes to Book Semifinal Spot Against Zimbabwe
Kenya Simbas held their nerves in a tense Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinal clash, defeating arch-rivals Uganda Cranes 32-24 in Kampala to secure a semifinal showdown with Zimbabwe on July 13 at 4:00 PM EAT.
The Simbas were the first to strike, with Griffin Chao crossing the whitewash for the opening try of the match. The conversion was wide, but Kenya had drawn first blood. Barry Young with the second try for the Simbas, grounding the ball under the posts and adding the extras himself to give the Simbas a 12-0 lead.
Uganda responded before halftime with a converted try, cutting the deficit to 12-7 as the teams went into the break with Kenya ahead.
The Cranes added early pressure in the second half, banking a penalty to inch closer at 12-10. However, Barry Young stepped up with a drop goal extending the Simbas’ lead to 15-10.
Captain George Nyambua powered over from a ruck to score the Simbas’ third try. Kubu with the extras, pushing the score to 22-10.
Griffin Chao returned to haunt the hosts with his second try of the afternoon, going through the Cranes’ defense straight off a lineout. Kubu converted once again, stretching Kenya’s lead to 29-10.
The final 15 minutes saw the Cranes with a fierce comeback, applying relentless pressure and bringing the game to a nail-biting 29-24. But Barry Young killed the Cranes hopes when he slotted a second drop goal, sealing the 32-24 victory for the Simbas.
With this win, Kenya advance to face Zimbabwe in the semifinals of the Rugby Africa Cup, scheduled for Sunday, July 13 at 4:00 PM EAT.
