Kenya U20 rugby (Chipu) showed their strength with a comeback 56-17 victory over Tunisia in their second match of the Barthes Trophy in Harare on Wednesday.
Two players Alvin Khavoli and last year’s captain Michael Wamalwa managed a brace each as Kenya moved to nine points in the competition
Kenya U20 chase
The Chipu squad came into this match following a thrilling 34-28 win against Namibia, looking to build on their momentum to set up a decisive final-day.
Tunisia, aiming for their first win after a 46-21 loss to Zimbabwe, started the game aggressively, scoring an opening try within the first three minutes.
However, the conversion attempt by their fly-half missed, and Tunisia’s early penalty attempt also went wide, keeping the score close.
Kenya quickly rebounded as Chipu’s eighthman Iddo Kuta scored a try from a scrum, with James Olela converting to give them a 7-5 lead in the 10th minute.
As the first half progressed, Tunisia struggled with their discipline, missing another penalty and eventually receiving a yellow card for a foul on their tryline.
This opened the door for Kenya to score again, with Alvin Khavoli touching down in the left corner, extending their lead to 19-5.
The final moments of the first half saw a bonus point try by Khavoli, converted by Olela, for a 26-5 lead after the former latched on a kick.
Tunisia seemed to lose steam, struggling to maintain their defensive structure and Khavoli landed the third try at the left corner but the referee ruled it out because citing a forward pass in the build up. The teams headed to the break as Kenya went on to the break with a comfortable lead.
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Kenya pressed on, with Michael Wamalwa’s try pushing the lead to 31-5 after beautiful run at the start of the second half. Olela later added a penalty for a 34-5 advantage.
In the second half, Kenya’s dominance continued with a maul leading to Bramuel Anekea’s try, converted by Olela, stretching the score to 41-5. Tunisia’s Mohammed Ksouri then scored under the posts, converting to make it 41-12.
Even with a yellow card given to Brian Kiptanui for a late tackle, Kenya’s attack remained strong.
After a scrum, Willy Tino, replacing Kuta, scored another try, bringing the score to 46-12.
Olela’s missed conversion was the only misstep for Kenya, but Tunisia responded with a try of their own, ending the game with a final score of 46-17.
Philip Okeyo came off the bench to score a penalty for 49-17 lead.
Kenya then landed a late try through Brian Shile and Okeyo converted for a 56-17 win.
KENYA U20 RUGBY (CHIPU) SQUAD
1.Darrel Olouch, 2.Bramwel Anekea, 3.Wycliffe Ogutu, 4.Eugene Etale, 5.Clein Okumbi, 6.Edmond Omondi, 7. Andycole Omolo 8.Iddo Kuta, 9. Patrick Wainana, 10.Jackson Siketi, 11. Alvin Khavoli, 12. Michael Wamalwa 13. Daniel Kipchirchir, 14.Brian Kiptanui, 15.James Olela
Replacement: Brian Shile, Geylord Ngasi, Ian Nyandusi, Nathan Tsindoli, Willy Tino, Benadict Muiruri, Faran Juma, Philip OKeyo
