Ghana were held 6-6 in the opening period by the Kenyans, who are playing in their first tournament, but two tries each from Emmanuel Acheampang and Chris Da Gama – who also kicked three goals -  saw the Leopards home, 26-6.

Ghana head coach, Andy Gilvary, commented: “It was exactly what we expected, Kenya threw the ball around, had great core skills and were very physical. We didn’t stick to the game plan in the first half, only completing half our sets, but the guys fixed that in the second period, put a lot of pressure on and ultimately were able to get the result we wanted.”

Opposite number John Mbai said: “We gave a good account of ourselves in the first half, but put ourselves under unnecessary pressure in the second. It’s a learning curve, we need to get better at playing out our sets of six and not getting impatient, but being our first experience of a tournament like this, we competed well and it’s a good place to start.”

GHANA 26
Isaac Akuoko, Chris Ebo Da Gama Odun, John Bless, Desmond Geotrah, William Pearce Biney, Collins Ofosu, Sean Sabutey, Alibah Riddick Agrokwah, Jonas Moorkar, Nigel Nhampim Sackey, Emmanuel Acheampong, Bawah Bright, Oliver Puman on Yelib
(Subs): Philp Asomani, Levi Osei, Jordan Issac Annan, Johathan Adotey

Tries: Bless (11), Acheampang  (45, 62), Da Gama (69, 79)
Goals: Da Gama Odun 3

KENYA 6
Philemon Olang, Joel Inzuga, Brian Mutua, Tony Khadhambi, Collins Ochieng, Shabani Hamed, John Awiti, Horus Alela, Denish Ndinya, Celestine Mboi, Reymond Ekutu, Paul Seda, Eliakim Kichoi
(Subs): Victor Ochieng, Ramadhan Masete, Wycliff Ratemo, James Maranga

Try: Mutua (18)
Goal: Hamed 1

Half time: 6-6

Referee: Aaron Moore (England)