AFRICA CUP TEST RUGBY: Final in Nairobi

12.11.2011
Tunisia v Kenya in Nairobi (Africa Cup 1A, Final)

Venue: EURFU Ground

Referee:

Preview
This was to be a four-team tournament. Unfortunately, firstly Namibia, and then, Morocco, withdrew for various reasons. In Namibia’s case it was both financial and the resignation of the RFU committee.

Although unannounced, the Tunisian squad is made up of amateurs, 11 from France and 11 local.

‘Head coach Michael “Tank” Otieno has handed KCB and Lions fullback Matthew Musita his first international capping after the 17-year-old was named in the final squad off 22 players to face Tunisia in the Africa Cup clash on Saturday at the RFUEA grounds.

The call-up was good news for the talented Form Three student at St. Paul’s Amukura High School in Teso County who abandoned basketball for rugby.

Otieno also recalled Cheetahs/Nondies’ scrum half Charles “Akaranga” Kanyi after a two-year absence and KCB/Lions loose lock Dennis Mwanja for the tie that doubles up for the Confederation of Africa Rugby (CAR) Cup. Rhinos/Quins winger Victor Sudi will captain the team.’

The Kenyan’s have the advantage of playing together in 2011 for the Victoria Cup. Tunisia has been based in France playing local teams for much of October.

Last Five Encounters
02.08.2008 Tunisia 44-15 in Tunis (WCQ Africa, R1, Pool C)
23.09.2006 Tunisia 31-12 in Tunis (WCQ Africa R2, Group B; Africa Cup Grp B)
10.06.2006 Kenya 25-21 in Nairobi (WCQ Africa R2, Group B; Africa Cup Grp B)
21.05.2005 Kenya 37-15 in Nairobi (CAR Div.1, Pool C)
20.09.1997 Tunisia 52-5 in Tunis (WCQ Africa Round B)

The 1997 match was the first between these two nations. Tunisia has never won in Nairobi.

GWC Rugby Rankings
Africa Table-Tunisia 4th, Kenya 6th

IRB Ranking Points
Tunisia 52.24, Kenya 49.18

Prediction: Tunisia by 5 points

Teams

Kenya Squad
Joel Nganga - UAP Rhinos
Vincent Ongera - UAP Rhinos
Dennis Karani - SDV Cheetahs
Anthony Mutai - UAP Rhinos
Ronnie Mwenesi – Lions
Duncan Ekasi - SDV Cheetahs
Andrew Amonde – Lions
Brian Okwomi - Nguvu Sharks
Charles Kanyi - SDV Cheetahs
Linus Simiyu - SDV Cheetahs
Victor Sudi - UAP Rhinos [Captain]
Patrice Agunda - UAP Rhinos
Anthony Nyandigisi - SDV Cheetahs
Vincent Mose - SDV Cheetahs
Mathew Musita – Lions
Curtis Lilako – Lions
Daniel Kiptoo - UAP Rhinos
Dennis Mwanja – Lions
Kevin Umbuge - SDV Cheetahs
Peter Mutai – Lions
Isaac Adimo - UAP Rhinos
Kelvin Omiyo - UAP Rhinos

Head Coach: Michael Otieno -

Adapted from http://www.kenyarfu.com

See also: http://www.nation.co.ke/sports/rugby/Ta ... index.html

And thanks to ‘Quentin’ at http://www.fira-aer-rugby.com/forum2007/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3660&start=255

Tunisian Squad not available