Kenya Simbas in last-gasp win over Brazil
What you need to know:
- The Cup’s name was chosen because the equator runs through both countries. Interesting, the equator cuts through the venue of the competition.
- Samurai head of international sales Colan Leung said it was disappointing for KRU to breach the kit contract, yet again.
Winger Darwin Mukidza curled over a late penalty as Kenya Simbas rallied to beat hosts Brazil 18-17 and win ‘the Cup of the Hemispheres’ match at Estádio Olímpico Zerão in Amapa on Friday.
The Cup’s name was chosen because the equator runs through both countries. Interesting, the equator cuts through the venue of the competition.
Simbas, for the second time, played in a different kit from the one provided by their official sponsors, Samurai Sportswear. This has infuriated the firm, which has lodged a complaint with Kenya Rugby Union (KRU).
KRU chairman Richard Omwela said they have scheduled a meeting tomorrow with Samurai representative, Terry Sands, who is in town to discuss the matter.
The home side started well with an impressive performance by the forwards, resulting in Andre Arruda scoring a try from a rolling maul. The South Americans made Simbas look ordinary throughout the first quarter as fly-half Leo Ceccarelli slotted over two penalties for a 11-0 lead.
That jolted Simbas, who prodded and finally got a breakthrough when centre David Ambunya reacted quickly to the bounce off fly-half Isaac Adimo’s restart to attack and score under the posts.
Goal kickers Ceccarelli and Mukidza then traded penalties in the final minutes of the opening half. Brazil held a 14-10 lead at the midway stage of the match, according to americasrugbynews.com.
Under pressure, Brazil grappled with more handling errors than Kenya, who scored their second try through second-rower Simeon Muniafu. With the conversion off target, Brazil retained the lead, albeit by a single point.
More points were scored in the final 10 minutes. The lead changed hands, with Kenya going ahead before Brazil reclaimed the lead only for Mukidza to strike the decisive blow with his 77th minute penalty.
Samurai head of international sales Colan Leung said it was disappointing for KRU to breach the kit contract, yet again.
“Despite supporting KRU since 2012, over the last three weeks, the team wore kits that don’t belong to Samurai,” he added.
“Samurai official is in town for a meeting to discuss the contract,” said Omwela.
