Kenya Stop Nigeria in African Rugby Tourney

 

Kenya’s Humphrey Kayange showed some flashes of brilliance as he led the hosts to the final of the Confederation of African Rugby Sevens at the Mombasa Sports Club on Sunday.

Kayange starred for Kenya in their 21-05 quarter-final victory over Nigeria in a tension-charged match as the Chairman’s select side Kenya C went down on a last-minute try to Tunisia at the quarter final stage of the tournament, in a bout which the Kenyans had clearly won as they led 14-12 as until the final seconds of the game when Bahdoul Badei picked a loose ball from the centre and outpaced the Kenyans for an easy try which he did not even bother to convert.

Against Nigeria, the visitors surprised the Kenyans with a second-minute try when Tom James sneaked in between the Kenyan defence to score with exceptional ease for a 5-0 score. But, that was probably the best that the heavily-built Nigerians could do as the super-fit Kenyans regrouped to run rings around them for the entire part of the game.

On-form Oscar Ayodi delivered a beautifully-orchestrated pass to Kayange who did his trademark run, easily touching down for Kenya, a try which was converted by Felix Kayange for a 7-05 halftime score. Felix was on the mark again a minute from resumption when he picked a ball from Ayodi and ducked heavy tackles from Nigeria to make the score 14-5 in favour of Kenya.

Robert Aringo put the issue beyond doubt when he waved through the Nigerian rear-guard for a try which was converted by Bernard Weru for a 21-05 score.

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