2023 RWCQ: Clinical Namibia beat Kenya Simbas to clinch African World Cup ticket

A clinical Namibia denied the men's national rugby 15s side, Kenya Simbas, a chance to secure direct qualification to the 2023 Rugby World Cup as they emerged 36-0 winners over the home side in the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup finale, a match where the winner would automatically qualify to the prestigious tourney.

Prior to the game, a cloud of optimism hang in the air for a Simbas side that had successfully overcome eternal rivals Uganda and Algeria in the quarter finals and semifinals to secure their berth in the finale.

However, after what had been an impressive opening quarter of an hour in the match, the game seized being a contest as the Namibians continued their dominant streak against Kenya by picking up the whitewash which was their twelfth victory over Simbas in fourteen meetings, a result that saw them qualify for the World Cup for a seventh consecutive time.

The good news for Simbas however is that they still have one more shot at qualifying for a World Cup tournament for the first time in history as they drop to the four team Repechage tournament set to be held in November.

The Paul Odera coached side had shown great discipline and resolve in the first fifteen minutes as they thwarted the Namibians who looked to quickly get on the board.

On the 16th minute, they however managed to find a breakthrough with the game's opening try that was not converted. A penalty and a second try which was this time converted helped the Welwitschias take a 15-0 lead into the half time break.

In the second half, try as they might, the efficient and equally defensive astute Namibia kept scoring as they resolutely kept out the Simbas.

Despite a serious chance to score a first try shortly after the hour mark, Collins Injera's foot had pushed into touch inches from the line, leading to the effort being disallowed.

Namibia then scored successive penalties before pushing forward with two tries in quick succession in the last two minutes of the match through Wian Conradie and captain Johan Deysel, who touched down just under the posts to guarantee their flight back to France for the World Cup where they will face the hosts, New Zealand, Italy and Uruguay.