Dream debut for Chituyi as Simbas survive Zimbabwe scare

Dalmas Chituyi produced a masterclass in his Simbas debut as the Kenyans defeated Zimbabwe 46-36 in their second game of the ongoing Gold Cup games at the RFUEA ground in Nairobi.

Kenya scored six tries, a penalty try, and four conversions from a spirited display against the visitors who hit five tries and one penalty try as well as two conversions.

Chituyi scored a brace in the second half to send the local fans into a frenzy as the Simbas came from behind to beat Zimbabwe 45-36 in their second match of the 2018 Africa Gold Cup.

Kenya had taken a 33-17 lead at the break thanks to a Davis Chenge hat-trick and Darwin Mukidza conversions but the Sables overturned the score to lead 31-33 for a better part of the second half.

With a defeat looming head coach Ian Snook brought in Chituyi and Owilla for Onsando and Peter Karia which proofed worthwhile as Owilla set up Chituyi twice to score the all important tries in the closing stages of the game.

From the win, Kenya bags four points to stay second with eight, two behind Namibia who have also played two games in the qualifiers.

Snook in an interview with Citizen Digital was proud with the result and promised to check on a few areas ahead of their third game against Uganda at the same venue.

“A bit tense in the closing stages but greatful the boys were able compose themselves and score two quick tries and a win is a win for us. Ggoing forward we just have to change on a few areas and we will be good to go,” Snook said.

Impala Saracens scrum-half Samson Onsomu was handed man of the match for his splendid performance in the nail biting fixture.

Chituyi on his part thanked his teammates for the win and teamwork that enables them scoop crucial point’s ahead of the Uganda tie.

“Good job by the boys to maintain the consistency and composure we needed and above all God for giving us that positive mentality despite the pressure,” Chituyi said.

Kenya’s next match is against Uganda on July 7 which will act as the Elgon Cup return leg with Zimbabwe jetting to Tunisia.