Morocco and Kenya earn vital wins
9 SEPTEMBER 2006 | By Jerry Burley in Kampala and Eric Odanga in Nairobi
Morocco and Kenya both won crucial Rugby World Cup qualifiers in Africa at the weekend, Morocco’s win effectively ending Uganda’s dream of World Cup involvement and Kenya causing an upset to beat Namibia 30-26 on home soil in Nairobi.
Uganda 3-5 Morocco
In a match that Uganda simply had to win on home soil in Kampala a big Moroccan Atlas Lions side edged out the Uganda Cranes by the narrowest of margins, 5-3. A win for Uganda would have ensured their continued involvement in the second round but Morocco’s success guaranteed them a third round clash against the winner of the other African group containing Kenya, Tunisia and Namibia.
Having been trounced by more than 30 points on their earlier away adventure in Casablanca a couple of months ago, the home side had much to prove, following the appointment of Chester Williams as Uganda Director of Rugby at almost exactly the same time as their hefty defeat to the Atlas Lions. Present at that match, he was quoted at the time as saying Uganda was lucky not to lose by more. Much has happened since and well-publicised wins against Ivory Coast and Kenya (in the Elgon Cup derby) indicated the major improvement in tactics and confidence that have been inspired in the Ugandans by the former Springbok.
At 4.30pm local time, Uganda kicked off northwards with a strong, slightly squally breeze to their backs and in front of an estimated 6000 supporters. From Uganda’s perspective, the first 10 minutes were a mess as nerves and the palpable expectations of their home fans conspired to force fumbles, knock-ons and poorly ill-advised kicks. However, both sides were able to maintain a clean sheet through these early testing minutes and slowly play settled down.
On the 35 minute mark, Ugandan scrum half Robert Seguya managed to slot home a simple penalty in front of the posts and Uganda would carry this narrow lead through to half time.
The closest chance of a try for the home side perhaps came when lock Adrian Bukenya was held back just half a metre from the line but then, in the 66th minute, he visitors took the ball from a breakdown and, with the overlap, Moroccan wing El Hajji Mounem beat the Ugandan defence to score in front of the club house. Another regulation kick was missed by some distance, leaving the score at 3-5 with less than 15 minutes to go.
Morocco were clearly tiring in the heat and altitude but the professionalism of their defence was resolute throughout. In the dying minutes Uganda threw everything at Morocco but they refused to capitulate and the final whistle brought joy and further world cup rugby to the tourists and despair and the end of a dream to the hosts and their fans.
Kenya 30-26 Namibia
Kenya caused a big upset by beating Namibia 30-26 in a Rugby World Cup qualifier match at the Rugby Football Union of East Africa ground in Nairobi at the weekend, their first ever win against Namibia and one that opens up Group B with two crucial matches left.
Former captain Emmanuel Okoth, who is now coach, made seven changes to the team that was beaten 22-20 by Uganda in the Elgon Cup three weeks ago. Winger Dan Weku scored two tries while Lavin Asego, Mark Emitati and Paul Sadat added one each. Veteran Oscar Osir added a drop goal and substitute scrum half Moses Kola a conversion.
For Namibia, Lu Wayne Botes scored two tries and Du Preez Grobler one. Fly half Morne Schreuder landed three penalties and one conversion.
The win exorcised a 84-12 hiding by Namibia on 27 May in Windhoek. Indeed, Kenya had a dream start with Weku scoring a try after only five minutes of play. Mark Emitati scored the second try and Weku sped for his second in the 17th minute. This rattled Namibia’s rhythm before Botes commenced the fight back with a try in the 38th minute.
The second half was Namibia’s as they virtually camped in Kenya’s half but poor finishing put paid to their efforts on a chilly afternoon at the RFUEA ground. When national seven-a-side captain Sidney Ashioya substituted Collins Injera, it was only a matter of time before Kenya sparkled again. Ashioya engineered the last try by Kenya speeding on the left before chipping over for his vice captain in the shorter version of the game to score under the posts.
Okoth was relieved but would like to have the foreign-based Innocent Simiyu (Exeter, UK), Lucas Onyango (Widnes Vikings, UK) and Ted Omondi (Racing Club, France) for the match against Tunisia on 23 September in Tunis. “We have a good chance of topping the pool,” he acknowledged.
Johannes Venter, the Namibian coach opted for a running game which played into the hands of Kenya. With only one training session before coming to Nairobi, he admitted the going would be rough. “Some players could not be released from club duties in South Africa,” he revealed. Injury to inspirational captain Kees Lensing also contributed to the loss.
“Give it to Kenya, they played well but need to do something about the kicking if they want to beat Tunisia,” he advised.
Kenya tops Group ‘B’ with six points while Namibia and Tunisia have three each.
Scores
Kenya
Tries: Dan Weku (2) 5th and 17th minutes, Lavin Asego (1) 73rd minute.
Drop goal: Oscar Osir (60th)
Conversion: Moses Kola (34th)
Namibia
Tries: Lu Wayne Botes (2) 38th and 56th minutes, Du Preez Grobler (41st).
Penalties: Morne Schreuder (3) 8th, 30th, 43rd.
Conversion: Schreuder (42nd)
Match officials
Referee: Louis Mzomba (South Africa), TJ1 Jerome America (South Africa), TJ2 Matt Kemp (South Africa).
Match Commissioner: Peter Manda (South Africa).
SOURCE: www.irb.com