Alvin Otieno brace inspires Shujaa win over Zimbabwe in South Africa 7s opener

Alvin Otieno of Morans celebrates scoring against South Africa during their Tusker Safari Sevens 2019 tournament match at RFUEA Grounds on October 20, 2019. Morans 19-14. [Photo/Stafford Ondego]

Alvin Otieno bagged a brace as Kenya Sevens started the final leg of the Rugby Africa Solidarity sevens tournament campaign on a high after edging out Zimbabwe 28-12 in an entertaining match on Friday in South Africa.

Four tries, three in the first half were enough to hand Kenya the upper hand for the second consecutive time after Shujaa previously winning 24-0 during the first leg last week.

Kenya were first off the blocks with an early touch down to take a 7-0 lead before Alvin Otieno stretched the scores to 14-0.

Billy odhiambo and Nelson Oyoo would then combine with the latter sprinting past his markers to give Kenya a comfortable 21-0 lead at the break.

Alvin Otieno completed his brace early into the final half after being released by Jacob Ojee to extend Kenya’s lead to 28-0.

Zimbabwe would, however, penetrate the tight Kenyan defense first with Nelson Madiba and then through Bil Ofonzwo to score their two consolation tries.

Kenya 7s will play South Africa 2 at 12:30pm East African Time with an eye on bagging their second win of the day.

Friday Results

Kenya 28-12 Zimbabwe

South Africa 2 28-7 Uganda

Rugby Union - Fiji v Kenya - World Rugby Sevens Series - Hong Kong Stadium, Hong Kong, China - April 8, 2018 - Kenya's Billy Odhiambo is tackled by Fiji's Samisoni Viriviri. [REUTERS/Bobby Yip]