Kenya Sevens dispatch Nigeria in Africa Cup opener

AT THE SAFARICOM STADIUM, KASARANI

Ginton Adongo and Lameck Dunde landed a brace of tries each as champions Kenya Sevens dismantled Nigeria 33-5 in their opening duel of the Africa Rugby Cup Sevens at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani on Friday.

Neighbours Uganda also started their campaign strongly when they stunned last year’s losing finalists Zimbabwe 19-14 in the Pool B duel. Zimbabwe are the inaugural 2000 and 2012 Africa Rugby Cup champions.

Namibia and Madagascar also claimed convincing wins, crushing Tunisia and Morocco 17-0 and 19-0 respectively.

Kenya, who are chasing their fifth Cup success, touched down five tries and four conversions to see off Nigeria, who managed one try in the Pool A duel. 

Aluda Beda crossed the line to supplement Adongo and Dunde’s efforts for Kenya, who led 21-0 at the break.

Skipper Michael Wanjala made four conversions for Kenya while Ono Jatto managed Nigeria’s only try. Kenya are chasing their fifth Cup success after their 2004, 2008, 2013 and 2015 exploits.

“It feels good for the boys and myself to win on our first outing,” said Wanjala. “The bonding is coming along well, this being a completely new side. The experience from the National Series has really helped.”

Wanjala said they will have to polish on their ball retention ahead of their second match against Senegal later on Friday and Saturday’s knockout stage.

“We lost possession easily and we just can’t afford to do that against strong teams,” warned Wanjala.

Kenya coach Paul Murunga said he was using the first game to test his combinations and player familiarisation.

“We had a few days of training but I am glad these players can challenge the likes of Zimbabwe, Uganda and Namibia,” said Murunga.

“Our main aim is to finish in the top five after settling eighth in last year’s championships,” said Nigeria captain Olaitan Ladipo.

Adongo opened the floodgates with a touch down from a brilliant open play. Adongo went for his brace after being put through by Kevin Keegan, who had sliced through Nigeria’s defence with some lovely side-steps.

Wanjala then turned the play-maker to set up Dunde for his first of the brace before going ahead to convert for a 21-0 lead at the break.

Dunde sneaked through at the middle of the pack to complete his double before substitute Beda galloped through for Kenya’s last try. Wanjala converted one.

James Odong’ touched down a brace of tries as sensational Philip Wokorach supplemented his efforts with a try as Uganda rallied from behind twice; 0-7 and 12-14 to stun Zimbabwe who led 14-12 at the break.

Wokorach managed two conversions. Hilton Mudariki converted Stephen Hunduza and Tafadzwa Chitokwindo’s tries but all was in vain.

“A piece of great work from the boys, coming from behind twice to win,” said Uganda Cranes skipper Eric Kassita. “We are good to go after training well for this tournament.”

Jacobs Sharadon, Karuuombe Nandivatu and Titus Shareave scored a try as Kisting Hilarius made conversion to spur Namibia to victory.