Kenya Morans crush Nigeria to launch Africa 7s defence

Kenya kicked off their Africa 7s defence on a resounding high note when they routed Nigeria 33-5 in their opening Pool A match at the Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani.

Elsewhere on the opening day of action on Friday, Uganda thumped Mauritius 35-0 as Madagascar crushed Zambia 4-0 before Kenya’s Pool A rivals, Namibia edged out Botswana 19-7.

A brace from Ginton Adongo of Strathmore Leos and Lameck Dunde of the Resolution Impala Saracens led last year’s winners to victory at full time as Paul Murunga’s side kicked-off their quest to retain the crown on home soil in emphatic fashion.

After leading Menengai Cream Homeboyz, Murunga’s club side, to clinch the national sevens series title last weekend, Kenya captain, Michael Wanjala converted all the tries in the first half to ensure his team got the deserved victory

The hosts led 21-0 by halftime after getting their first try through Adongo with Wanjala converting to make it 7-0 in the opening minutes of the match.

The Nigerians allowed the Kenyan team to dominate possession and their pressing strength was rewarded when Adongo scored his second try as Wanjala again added the extras to give Morans a commanding 14-0 lead.

Impala captain, Lameck Dunde touched down minutes to half time with the captain kicking between the posts for the half time score.

Dunde picked where he left when the teams switched sides scoring the first try of the second half to make it 26-0 as Wanjala missed his first conversion.

The visitors ensured that their presence was felt when they finally crossed the Kenyan whitewash to get their non-converted try through Iheme Felix for 26-5.

Aluda Beda of Christie 7s champions Kabras Sugar doused any hopes of an unlikely comeback when he added his name to the try scorers list with Wanjala rounding the scoring with his fourth conversion for 33-5 at full time.