This archive report was first published on 13 July 2021.
On July 3, 2021, Kenya's national 15s rugby team, Simbas, faced off against Zambia in a Rugby Africa Cup Pool B match at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The match was a crucial one for the Simbas, as they needed to win to join pool leaders Senegal in the next year's eight-nation final Africa World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya had lost 20-19 against Senegal in their opening Pool B Round 2 match, but they were determined to overcome this setback. The team was inspired by Fijian-born utility back Jone Kubu, who plays for Kabras Sugar RFC. Kubu scored 18 points in the opening half, contributing to the team's victory.
Head coach Paul Odera expressed his team's passion and determination to make it to the World Cup in France. He stated, 'Making the World Cup in France is something much bigger than just rugby for us. To us, it's to bring the country together, to bring all the different races, tribes, ethnic groups and disparate social groups together for the country to start believing in the men.'
Kenya's victory over Zambia has kept their dream of qualifying for the World Cup alive. They will now join Namibia, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Zimbabwe, Senegal, Ghana, and Uganda in the streamlined Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinals next year.
