Kenya Rugby League National Team made its international debut with a 26-6 loss to Ghana in the Middle East Rugby League championship semi-final played at the Legon Stadium, University of Accra, Ghana.
Kenya making the first appearance in the MEA Championship got one try and converted totalling to six points.
Kenya held Ghana to 6-6 in the opening period but two tries each from Emmanuel Acheampang and Chris Da Gama – who also kicked three goals – saw the Leopards home, 26-6.
The side which had several players from rugby union will now face the loser of the match pitting Nigeria and Cameroon in the third place place playoff.
Kenya were named to replace Morocco in the tournament when Morocco were forced to withdraw from the tournament due to governance issues.
The Middle East-Africa Rugby League Championship (MEA) is a rugby league competition for national teams from the Middle East and Africa that the Rugby League European Federation organises.
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The first tournament was held in 2015 as a part of the qualification process for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup and was followed by tournaments in 2019 and 2020 with an expanded structure.
MEA Championship is now a pathway to Rugby League World Cup 2025 qualification, Kenya – whilst still an observer member – is not eligible to proceed, but intends to submit an affiliate membership application within the next 12 months.
KRL squad in Ghana
Denish Ndinya (AP), John Awiti Oketch, Raymond Ekutu (Rhinos), Tony Khadambi, Brony Lucky, Timothy Thimba (Ruffians), Joel Inzuga, Eliakim Kichoi, Celestine Mboi, Floyd Wambwire, (Sharks), James Maranga, Ramadan Masete, Finely Mokoro, Remi Odhiambo, Victor Odhiambo, Philimon Olang, Paul Seda (Winam), Horus Alela, Ahmed Hamed, Collin Ochieng, Wyclif Ratemo (Wolves).
