NAIROBI, Kenya, February 6 – Daniel Sikuta grounded a brace of tries to send Kenya to their first Main Cup quarter-finals this season, following their 28-14 victory over Samoa at Wellington 7s on Friday.
After a hard fought 19-14 win over Scotland in the second group D match, Felix Ochieng’ charges were a better side against Samoa upsetting them with four tries as the return of seasoned players’ experience played a major role.
Kenya who had earlier started on a wrong foot, losing 31-7 to Argentina in their opening match will take on South Africa in Saturday’s quarters at 4:10am local time (GMT+3).
Against Samoa, Kenya had to rally a try down to level through Sikuta after Toloa went over with ease in the first minute to punish Ochieng’ men from poor handling of the ball.
The lead however did not last long as Sikuta darted inside to level matters after Lavin Asego converted.
The Mwamba RFC man completed his brace two minutes later after vice captain Collins Injera set him with Asego converting for a 14-7 lead.
Shujaa then extend lead to 19-7 at half time with captain Andrew Amonde showing great strength to begin a beautiful offloading move that was finished off by Asego who grounded his 49th career try on the hooter.
Kenya continued where they left when they resumed with stalwart Injera finally touching down his first this season to rack up his 190th career try to see Ochieng’ who took over from South African Paul Treu, guide the team to their best performance this season.
Against Scotland, Billy Odhiambo touched down twice after Sikuta had reduce Scots lead to two after Lavin Asego’s conversion hit the post.
The Strathmore University man scored the only try in Kenya’s opening defeat against Argentina.