NAIROBI, Kenya, August 27- Billy Isabwa touched down twice to send Kenya Under-19s to Saturday’s Confederation of African Rugby Division 1 A finals in a 27-20 stuffing of Zimbabwe in Windhoek, Namibia.
Defending champions Namibia edged out Tunisia 78-3 to set up a potentially thrilling final with the winner booking a place in 2015 International Rugby Board Junior World Rugby Trophy in Portugal.
It was a measure of revenge for the age side after Zimbabwe’s senior side ended Kenya’s dream of featuring in the 2015 Rugby World Cup in Madagascar two months ago.
Speaking to Capital Sport after the win from Windhoek, head coach Paul Murunga exuded confidence they will carry on and earn their retribution against the team that beat them to the crown at the last finals.
“We played well although in the second half my players allowed Zimbabwe to catch up but I’m happy we managed to contain them and win.
“I have just watched Namibia play against Tunisia and they are a tough opponent but we don’t fear them. We have enough time to prepare well and come Saturday, my boys will be ready to revenge last year’s loss,” Murunga, who is also in charge of local side Homeboyz told.
The former international urged Kenya Rugby Union to schedule more friedlies for the side to improve on their competitiveness.
Alex Olaba, fresh from competing at the Youth Olympic Games opened the scoring with a scintillating individual effort before Isabwa doubled the lead after cutting in to ground a try converted by Marlin Mukolwe for a 12 -0 lead but the young Sables pulled one back.
Unconverted tries from Isabwa and Paul Muriuki gave Kenya a 22-5 cushion at the break.
Zimbabwe upped their game in the last half to craw back the deficit but Warren Nyanjom scored Kenya’s fifth try to seal the game with Sables now battling it out with Tunisia where the loser will be relegated to Division B.
