23 August 2008
Nairobi — Kenya narrowly lost 18-21 to Morocco in their opening match of the Africa Rugby Confederation which started on Thursday in Tunisia.
Ken Andola kicked over two penalties in the third and fifth minutes before Oscar Otindo crossed the line in the 10th minute and George Mutuku converted for a 13-0 lead after only 13 minutes of play.
In the second half, Ken Isindu scored Kenya's only try in the 67th minute.
Oliver Kituyi, the team manager, said the match was played in quarters to enable the players take water breaks because of the heat.
"It is a game we should have won but we were just unlucky," Kituyi said. Morocco came back forcefully in the second half and avoided the speedy Kenyan backs to pip Kenya at the tape.
Defending champions Zimbabwe narrowly beat hosts Tunisia 18-11. Only six countries will play in the week-long tournament.
Namibia were expected on Friday in Tunis, one day after the tournament kicked off.
Uganda's participation was still in doubt. According to Uganda Rugby Union officials, a request had been made to the organisers to delay the start of the tournament to accommodate an expected late arrival.
Most of the unions are feeling a financial pinch in competing at CAR-organised events.
Uganda had written to the IRB asking for more financial assistance, which was favourably received. Madagascar could not travel to Tunisia, though.
Cote d'Ivoire which was doubtful, is already in Tunisia. The organisers released a new fixture and schedule to accommodate the changes.
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