Ovwamu set to debut as Simbas take on Algeria
Samuel Ovwamu is set to make his Simbas debut after being named in the starting lineup for Saturday’s bronze medal match against Algeria at the Rugby Africa Cup in Kampala, Uganda.
The Menengai Oilers utility back starts in midfield alongside his club mate John Okoth with Derrick Ashihundu and Timothy Omela on the wings and Jone Kubu at fullback. Brian Tanga and Brian Wahinya are the starting half back pairing
Obat Kuke makes his first full start for the Simbas, slotting into openside in a backrow that sees Elkeans Musonye captain the side from number eight with David Bunduki on the blindside.
Hibrahim Ayoo and Emmanuel Silungi partner in the second row while Edward Mwaura, Teddy Akala and Vincent Mwikhali make up the front row.
Eugene Sifuna, Ephraim Oduor and Wilhite Mususi all start from the bench alongside Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Samuel Asati, Barry Young and Walter Okoth.
The Simbas were 29-23 losers to Zimbabwe in Sunday’s semifinal action. They had earlier defeated Uganda 32-24 in quarterfinal action.
Algeria went down 21-7 to Namibia in the opening semifinal, having dispatched of Ivory Coast 41-6 in their quarterfinal clash.
This is the third time Kenya and Algeria are meeting in the Rugby Africa Cup, the Simbas having defeated their opponents 36-33 in the 2022 semifinal before losing 20-12 in the 2024 edition.
The match kicks off at 12.00pm EAT. Zimbabwe will play Namibia at 4.00pm in the title decider with qualification to the Rugby World Cup 2027 awaiting the winner of this tie.
Simbas squad to play Algeria
15. Jone Kubu, 14. Timothy Omela, 13. John Okoth, 12. Samuel Ovwamu, 11. Derrick Ashihundu, 10. Brian Wahinya, 9. Brian Tanga, 1. Edward Mwaura, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Vincent Mwikhali, 4. Emmanuel Silungi, 5. Hibrahim Ayoo, 6. David Bunduki, 7. Obat Kuke, 8. Elkeans Musonye (captain) REPLACEMENTS 16. Eugene Sifuna, 17. Ephraim Oduor, 18. Wilhite Mususi, 19. Andycole Omolo, 20. Thomas Okeyo, 21. Samuel Asati, 22. Barry Young, 23. Walter Okoth
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