A new-look Kenya Simbas beat Zambia 36-12 in their Victoria Cup opener at Kinga Park Stadium in Kampala this afternoon.
The Simbas will, however, have to improve their performance in their clash against Uganda on Sunday after an error-strewn performance saw the side concede several penalties at the breakdown as well as being impatient in attack.
Curtis Olago's charges outscored the Zambians by six tries to zero to bag a bonus-point win — more than four tries.
Kenya started brightly and took the lead in the second minute when prop Ephraim Oduor crashed over the whitewash from a rolling maul with fullback Jone Kubu slotting the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
Kenya grew in confidence and dictated territory and possession and it came as no surprise when Kubu put in a crosskick for winger Joel Inzuga to score. Kubu kicked over the conversion for a 14-0 lead.
The Zambians regrouped and began to dictate play but Alex Mwewa missed two penalties.
The Simbas scored a third try with a sweeping counterattack from their own half resulting in debutant Paul 'Boi' Mutsami crossing the whitewash for an unconverted try and a 19-0 lead.
The Southern Africa side cut the deficit through Lawrence Kaushiku, slotted home two penalties in quick succession to reduce the deficit to 19-6 at the interval.
On resumption, Kaushiku slotted home another penalty to come within 10 points of the Simbas.
Kubu, who was having an outstanding game at fullback, scored the Simbas' third try to widen the lead to 24-9.
The Zambians were not going down without a fight as Kaushika converted another penalty.
The Simbas finished the match strongly with hooker Teddy Akala crashing over from a lineout and skipper George Nyambua putting in the sixth and final try in the final minute of the match.
