Sloppy Kenya Simbas edge out Zimbabwe at RFUEA

Dalmus Chituyi's brace of tries in the last two minutes of the match saved a sloppy Kenya Simbas the blushes after scrapping to a 45-36 win over visiting Zimbabwe Sables in their Africa Rugby Gold Cup match at RFUEA Ground on Saturday.

Chituyi's late try show for the Simbas means Kenya have won their opening two matches of the competition, which also serves as the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualifier.

From the win, Kenya bags four points to stay second with eight, two behind Namibia who have also played two matches.

Kenya opened their Africa Rugby Gold Cup campaign with a narrow 28-24 win over Morocco in Casablanca last weekend before putting up a brilliant display in the opening half at RFUEA where they led 33-17 at the break against Zimbabwe. Skipper Davis Chenge scored a hat-trick of tries in the first 40 minutes to set up the tone for what seemed like a routine Simbas win at RFUEA.

However, Zimbabwe's Conner Prichard struck two quick tries after the break to add to a penalty try awarded to Takudzwa Kumadiro - who had been fouled by Peter Kilonzo.

The Kenyan was subsequently sin-binned for the offence. The Zimbabweans then made their numerical advantage count with, with Prichard the tormentor in chief.

Simbas scrum-half Samson Onsomu was named the man-of-the-match after a brilliant display. Kenya's next match is against Uganda on July 7 as Zimbabwe, who drew with Tunisia in their opening match, travel to Tunisia.

Kenya Simbas coach Ian Snook said it was a two halves.

"The players played very well and managed to sustain the speed Zimbabwe players in the second half. The substitutions were very instrumental and made a big difference," said Snook.

Zimbabwe coach Peter de Villiers said: "Kenya caught us off guard in the first half with quick tries, which gave them the upper hand and made it very difficult for us. We then lost concentration in the last 10 minutes and made wrong decisions as Kenya fought hard to win."