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Mehluli Sibanda in Harare
Zimbabwe …………………………………………………….. (17) 28
Kenya ………………………………………………………….. (17)20
ZIMBABWE got their campaign in the Africa Cup Division 1A with a win over Kenya in what turned out to be a closely fought battle watched by a big crowd at Prince Edward High School in Harare yesterday. Three tries, two conversions and three penalty goals were enough to give Zimbabwe a winning start in the competition they won in 2012 before finishing as runners-up in 2013 and 2014. A fired up Kenya, Africa Cup winners in 2013 on the other hand recorded three tries, one successful conversion kick and one penalty goal.
Zimbabwe, under a new coach as well as captain in Cyprian “Super” Mandenge and Denford Mutangamira respectively should have won the match by a resounding margin had they not allowed Kenya to creep into the match. The Sables had completely dominated for the better parts of the first half. In the end, great defensive work won the day for Zimbabwe as the East Africans made them work hard for their win.
The Sables piled on the pressure from the start with play taking place on the Kenya half but handling errors cost Zimbabwe from turning the massive ball possession they had into points.
Lock Sanele Sibanda gave the Sables their first points on board with 11 minutes played when he went through the gap to score a try under the posts following a superb run made by outstanding loose forward Andrew Rose who gained some valuable ground into the Kenyan half. Flyhalf Tichafara Makwanya booted in the conversion kick to put Zimbabwe 7-0 ahead.
Zimbabwe picked up their second try four minutes later, taking full advantage of a lapse in concentration by the Kenyans. Wing Gardner Nechironga took a quick lineout, passed the ball to second centre Riaan O’Neil who went over the line, Makwanya’s superb conversion kick making it 14-0 in favour of the home side.
Teams
Zimbabwe: Denford Mutangamira(captain), Royal Mwale, Farai Mudariki, Sanele Sibanda, Fortune Chipendu, Shingai Mpofu, Andrew Rose, Kingsley Lang, Charles Jiji, Tichafara Makwanya, Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Cleopas Makotose, Riaan O’Neil, Gardener Nechironga, Tangai Nemadire
Replacements: Kudzai Muzorewa, Lawrence Cleminson, Tatenda Murwira, Biselele Tshamala, Stephan Hunduza, Lenience Tambwera, Boyd Rouse
Kenya: Moses Amusala, Samuel Njuguna, Isaiah Ayonga, Ronnie Mwenesi, Oliver Mangeni, Brian Nyikuli(captain), Lawrence Buyachi, Joshua Chisanga, Lyle Asiligwa, Wamamba Adimo, Jacob Ojee, Fabian Olando, Darwin Mukidza, Samuel Oliech
Replacements: Peter Kaaria, Curtis Lilako, Emmanuel Mavala, Davis Chenje, Robert Arigo, Dennis Muhanji, Vincent Mose
Online Reporter