Kenya Simba's Darvin Mukidza(L) stops Syrus Watum of Uganda during their Elgon Cup at KRU ground Nairobi on Saturday 30/07/16.Kenhya won 45-28.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

Kenya Simbas on Saturday thrashed rivals Uganda 42-7 in the 2022 Rugby Africa Cup quarterfinal match played at Stade Maurice David in France.

The Simbas drilled in four converted tries to lead 28-0 at the break before finishing off the Ugandans with two more in the final half.

Menengai Oilers star John Okoth landed a brace of tries to inspire Kenya to victory alongside debutants Bethwel Anami of Strathmore Leos and Teddy Akala of Kabras Sugar.

Others include Thomas Okeyo of University of Johannesburg and KCB scrum half Samwel Asati.

KCB full back Darwin Mukidza converted five of the scored tries while Fijian-born Kenyan international Jone Kubu split the post once after coming off the bench to finish off the Ugandans.

Jacob Ochen scored Uganda’s consolation try that was converted by former Kabras Sugar star full back Philip Wokorach.

Simbas will now play with either Senegal or Algeria in the semifinals slated for Wednesday.

Kenya’s semi-final will be played Wednesday at 7pm at Stade Delort while Namibia and Zimbabwe semi-final is due the same day at Stade Maurice David starting 10pm.

The Rugby Africa Cup knock out matches are doubling up as 2023 Rugby World Cup qualifiers and therefore the winner of the tournament scheduled to end on July 10 will get an automatic ticket to next year’s global event.

The losing finalist will still have a chance to secure their ticket to World Cup through the Final Qualification Tournament.

On Friday, Namibia and Zimbabwe advanced to the semifinals after winning their respective quarterfinals matches.

Namibia thrashed Burkina Faso 71-5 as Zimbabwe saw off Ivory Coast 38-11. The two nations will meet in the semis on Wednesday.