This archive report was first published on 8 November 2019.
Published on November 8, 2019, Kenya Sevens made a resounding statement in the Africa qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, defeating Namibia 33-0 at the Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg on Friday.
The victory propelled Kenya to the semi-finals, where they will face Uganda in a crucial Pool 'B' match on Saturday. The winner of this match will be crowned the pool champion, also doubling as the Africa Cup Sevens title.
Kenya's impressive performance was marked by a 50-0 thrashing of Senegal in their opening Pool 'B' match. Nelson Oyoo scored a brace of tries, while skipper Andrew Amonde, Billy 'The Kid' Odhiambo, and William Ambaka each landed a try to dispose of Namibia.
Uganda also made a strong impression, beating Senegal 52-12 and dispatching Namibia 33-17 to reach the semi-finals.
Defending Africa champions Zimbabwe followed up their 47-0 victory against Nigeria with a 19-7 win over Zambia to reach the semi-finals in Pool 'A'. Madagascar also eased through to the semi-finals, beating Zambia 28-21 and Nigeria 53-7 in the other Pool 'A' outing.
Madagascar will now face Zimbabwe on Saturday to determine the pool winners.
Kenya had earlier whacked Cote D'Ivoire 36-7 in a qualifying round match on Friday.
Two teams topping each Pool will proceed to the semi-finals on Saturday. The winner of the tournament will qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, while the teams finishing second and third will get another opportunity at the Repechage tournament planned for June next year.
Kenya is eyeing to qualify for the Olympics for the second time in a row, having made it to the 2016 Rio Summer Games in Brazil.
