NAIROBI, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- After losing to South Africa, Kenya will have to compete against Chile in the repechage to vie for the ticket to the 2021 women's Rugby World Cup.

Kenya came agonizingly close to secure a World Cup slot in New Zealand in 2021, but failed in the last hurdle against hosts South Africa in the African qualifiers on Saturday night.

The hosts beat Kenya 39-0 to secure the lone slot for the continent to compete at the 2021 Women's rugby World Cup.

However, Kenya Rugby Union (KRU) confirmed that the team will now enter the repechage competition in 2020 to play against Chile, the runners-up in the South America qualifiers for the World Cup.

"The Lionesses did put up a spirited fight for the better part of the encounter but it was not enough to hold off the South Africa, who exploited the little cracks spotted in the defense," said Susan Kamau, the KRU Chief Executive on Sunday.

"Our World Cup journey is not yet over for the Kenya women's rugby team Lionesses. They will now have to face the winner of the South American qualifier in a play-off match with the winner heading to the global repechage that will determine the final qualifier."

Before South Africa won the berth, defending champions and hosts New Zealand, England, France, USA, Canada, Australia and Wales have already confirmed their places in the 2021 World Cup with a top seven placing at the last World Cup in 2017.