Rugby World Cup African Qualifiers: Kenya outclass Zimbabwe

Rugby World Cup African Qualifiers: Kenya defeats Zimbabwe in Nairobi during the Rugby Africa Gold Cup

Kenya Simbas ended the game on top with 45-36, beating Zimbabwe Saturday in Nairobi, Kenya

On Saturday, June 30, the Kenya Simbas played against the Zimbabwe Sables during the 2018 Rugby Africa Gold Cup, a qualifier for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. In a hotly-contested game, Kenya beat its opponent Zimbabwe 45-36.

Download the b-roll, and the photos: https://we.tl/mSr55U5pmj (911,5 Mo)

Zimbabwe scored five tries and one penalty try as well as two conversions against Kenya's five tries, a penalty try and four conversions.

Captain Davies Chenge gave Kenya a perfect start with a try that was converted by Darwin Mukidza before Zimbabwe replied through lock Fortunate Chipendo after good hands but their conversion was wide.

Chenge was at it again after a break from back-rowers George Nyambua and Elkeans Musonye who set up Tony Onyango to clear Chenge for his second before completing his hattrick five minutes later.

Zimbabwe however remained focused as captain Denford Mutamangira, who was playing his 50th match, scored second for his side to bring the scores to 26-12.

Kenya would be awarded a penalty try to extend the lead to 33-12 but the Sables ensured they go to the break without a big deficit as hooker David Makanda went over to trail 17-33 after the conversion went ahead.

Zimbabwe returned in the second half to complete the job scoring two tries through Farai Mudariki and winger Mathew Mcivab as well as a penalty try to take a 33-36 lead.

Kenya went ahead to make a triple change with hooker Peter Karia, prop Moses Amusala and lock Oliver Mangeni coming on for Coleman Were, Patrick Ouko and Malcolm Onsano respectively which paid off as they managed to make a comeback and score the winning two tries through substitute flanker Dalmus Chituyi with Mukidza converting one.

Kenya Simbas head coach Ian Snook was a relived man at full-time after seeing his side come from behind to win the game.

"The boys who came off the bench did a good job to help make the comeback. This win really motivates us and the World Cup dream is very much on."

"We go again next week against Uganda to try bag a win and stay in the competition."

Zimbabwe head coach Peter De Villers ruled missed chances in the second half saying:

"It's a game of rugby and Kenya took advantage of us in the closing stages to score the winning tries. In the first half I feel like we were asleep and woke up in the second half."

"We had a good start in the second half scoring couple of tries but we just couldn't hold into that. The dream to qualify is not dead."

"We head to Tunisia next and they play very well obviously with home fans backing them."

Abdelaziz Bougja, chairman of World Rugby’s African association, Rugby Africa (www.RugbyAfrique.com), said: "What a thrilling encounter it was! I am happy to see such close games, both teams must be commended for their performance today. We saw skills, speed and combativeness on the fiels and two teams with amazing athletes."

Zimbabwe's next game will be against Tunisia in Tunis on Saturday July 7, 2018 before hosting Namibia on August 4 in Harare.

Kenya also returns to action on July 7 in Nairobi when they will host Uganda Cranes in a clash that will also double up as Elgon Cup second leg.

Nigeria climbs 5 spot to become 73rd in World Rugby rankings, 11th in Africa

Nigeria has risen to 73rd place in the world and 11th in Africa according to the latest World Rugby rankings.
Nigeria ranked 81st in the world and 13th in Africa prior to the 2014 Africa Nations Cup 1C in which the Black Stallions placed third behind Botswana and Mauritius and quickly climbed three places to 78th after the tournament.

NRFF Vice president and Technical director; Tunji Fasimoye announced the good news to the press in Lagos "It's a great tribute to the team and players and all the credit should go to them," he said the home based players did well last year at the Africa cup 1C in Botswana where our players; Christian Ogar, Azeez Ladipo and Isaac Sani won ‘man of the match’ awards in all three matches played against Zambia, Swaziland and South African Cell C champions; Impala respectively.

The Black Stallions 7s were also commended by Rugby Africa officials for putting up a good show when they faced Zimbabwe 7s team at the Africa Cup 7s in Harare last year. He said the teams’ performance by predominantly home based players informed Rugby Africa that we have improved the standard of our grassroots rugby back home.

Fasimoye made it know that this year will be different as the NRFF will bring in a handful of foreign players to complement our home based players. He said the technical team will be tasked with ensuring that there is a perfect blend of home and foreign based players for optimal results. He further stressed the need for corporate sponsorship to enable the NRFF execute its developmental plans in 2015 and beyond. “Nigeria; with our population of over 160 million has the potential to become the next power house of the sport in Africa. We have to thank CMB Building Maintenance & Inv Co Ltd for their unflinching support towards rugby however; we need more financial backing from corporate Nigeria to achieve this goal”.

 Meanwhile, World Rugby's ranking  shows New Zealand retains their number one spot, South Africa remains second while Ireland, England and Wales occupy the third, fourth and fifth positions. In Africa, South Africa remains the power house of rugby in number one position followed by Namibia (2nd), Zimbabwe (3rd), Kenya (4th) and Tunisia (5th).

TANIMOWO, OKORONKWO SHINE AT DOAMF CHARITY GOLF

Lanre Tanimowo led the list of winners when the 5^th Daniel Ogechi Akujobi Memorial Foundation (DOAMF) Golf Tournament was concluded at the golf section of Ikoyi Club in Lagos.

Tanimowo, a six handicapper returned a brilliant 68 nett score at the one day meet to edge out Michael Anukwuem to the runner up spot. A feat which he confessed he has looked forward to since last year.

“I have been working hard for this event and looked forward to winning it. So I practiced hard for it” Tanimowo said during the presentation ceremony.

Ted Iwere, Captain of the golf section of Ikoyi Club in his remark also referred to the DOAMF Charity Golf event as one event has gained the interest of members and goodwill of sponsors. “I think it is because of the laudable cause the event pushes” he added.

The event was supported by public-spirited corporate bodies and individuals that included; Diamond Bank Plc, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Global EVC Ltd, PESLEY-PBTG Group, ARM Pension Managers, Caritas Communication, Arik Air, Apartment Royale, Cappa & D’Alberto PLC, Radial Circle Group, Channels TV, Nigeria Bottling Company, Seplat, Mobil Producing, Grand Oak, SIMS, CMCL Golf Tours, SPAR (Park ‘n’ Shop), Zenith Bank, Protea and Sheraton Hotels.

In the ladies category, Pat Okoronkwo, fended off challenges from Stefanie Erles and Cathy Fischer to pick the top ladies prize with five strokes advantage shooting 69 net at the event. The duo settled for runner-up and third place respectively.

Other winner at the charity golf event included, Peter Eben-Spiff who won men’s gross prize beating Uyi Akpata and Remi Olukoya to second and third place. Gloria Joel, Angela Adegboyega and Maureen Reece also made the winner’s list.

Coordinator of the DOAMF Charity Tournament, Par Bassey said that the turnout at the event was heartwarming and it goes a long way to justify the cause it was set to promote.

“We feel highly honoured to have busy people gather for this event. It goes a long way to accentuate what this foundation is here to promote.” He said.

About DOAMF

The Daniel Obgechi Akujobi Memorial (DOAM) Foundation is a charitable, humanitarian, and non-governmental organisation established in 2006, in memory of Master Daniel Ogechi Akujobi (1992-2005) who died from injuries he sustained in a fatal highway accident on his way back to school along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun State Nigeria. He was the only son of his parents.

DOAM Foundation is dedicated to the enhancement of the education and health of less-privileged children and youths in the society. Since its establishment, the Foundation has offered scholarships to a number of vulnerable but intelligent children in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. It has also undertaken various life-improving programs including de-worming of children, mentorship, educational, nutritional and psycho-social support to children and youths in the society.

The Foundation provides a platform to inspire and positively affect the lives of the most vulnerable in our society. Since inception, over 48,000 lives have been impacted through our programs.

Pix Caption:  (L-R) Lanre Tanimowo, BH Sumanth, Akinsanya Akindele, Sonari Jack on hole one at Ikoyi Golf Club during the DOAMF Charity Golf