Kenya too good for Uganda in Rugby Africa Gold Cup

Alex Broun 18:06 08/07/2018
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  • Kenya could benefit from a decision to expand the number of teams at RWC

    Kenya have beaten near neighbors Uganda 38-22 to bag their third win of the Africa Gold Cup and keep them on course for qualification for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.

    The Simbas scored five converted tries and one penalty against the Cranes four tries and one conversion. For the win, Kenya picks four points in the Africa Gold Cup to stay second with 12 as Namibia leads with 15.

    Kenya’s five tries were scored by winger Jacob Ojee, captain Davies Chenge, half-back Samson Onsomu, winger Felix Ayange and prop Moses Amusala with Mukidza Darwin converting all.

    For Uganda Kabras Sugar winger Philip Wokorach scored two tries with centre Michael Wokorach and fly-half Ivan Magomu also getting on the score-sheet.

    Returning winger Ojee got things going for Kenya with his first try of 2018 with vice-captain Mukidza converting to ensure a perfect start for the home side.

    Captain Davies Chenge scores Kenya's second try in thew win over Uganda

    Captain Davies Chenge scores Kenya’s second try in their win over Uganda

    Wokorach, who plays his professional rugby with Kenyan side Kabras Sugar, gave Uganda their first try but he sent the conversion wide only for Kenyan captain Chenge to double Kenya’s lead.

    Scrum-half Onsomu and Ayange’s back to back tries saw Kenya lead 28-5 at the break.

    Uganda got life going in the second half scoring through Magomu to move the score to 17-31 with Wokorach adding his second to reduce the deficit to 22-31.

    A late try from substitute Amusala ensured Kenya picked up the win over the Cranes whose chances of qualifying for Rugby World Cup 2019 now hang in the balance.

    Uganda coach John Duncan admitted as much after losing their second game with focus now set to turn to the global repechage.

    “That (qualifying for the Rugby World Cup) was obviously one of the goals,” he said, “we control our destiny we didn’t get there but we are still a good team.

    “It’s a pleasure to coach these boys but the end of the day it’s not the result we wanted.”

    “If you play a good team and allow them to get 38 points it’s going to be a tough challenge.

    “I am very proud of the boys for fighting the way back to the challenge, they stuck to the plan which am very happy about.”

    Kenya assistant coach Murray Roulston was pleased with the win against a strong Ugandan side.

    “Uganda played very well in the second half,” he said, “it’s a big week just like last week against Zimbabwe but we got a good start in the first half.”

    “We improved the game from last week and there is still more but we are very happy with the boys and we look forward to the next round of matches.”

    Uganda’s next game will be against Tunisia on August 4 in what will be their first home game of the season.

    The Kenyan side will await Tunisia to arrive from Uganda to host them on August 11 before heading out to Namibia for season finale – in a match that could well decide the winner of the Gold Cup and which second African nation will be joining South Africa in Japan.

    Africa Gold Cup Standings as of July 7
    1.Namibia 15
    2.Kenya 12
    3.Tunisia 4
    4.Morocco 3
    5.Zimbabwe 3
    6.Uganda 0

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