In a crucial Kabaddi World Cup encounter in Group B, Kenya showed their defensive mettle as they beat Japan 48-27 at the TransStadia Arena in Ahmedabad. James Obilo scored 13 tackle points and forced four super tackles to lead Kenya’s charge. Kenya forced a record number of nine super tackles in the match as Japanese raiders struggled to cope with the strength of Kenya’s defence.
Japan will have to beat Thailand in their next match to have any hope of qualifying for the semi final. Kenya are now fourth in Group B and remain in contention for a semi final berth.
Kenya made a quick start and led 4-0 after four minutes with David Mosambayi scoring two points. Makoto Sawazu opened Japan’s account with a raid in the fifth minute. Kazuhiro Takano followed it with his first raid of the match as Japan trailed 2-4 after six minutes. Kenya forced a super tackle in the ninth minute to lead 7-4.
Kenya scored three quick points in a minute to lead 11-5 after 11 minutes. David Mosambayi scored his second raid point in the 12th minute to give Kenya 13-5 lead after 12 minutes. Japan forced two super tackles in two minutes as they trailed 11-13 after 14 minutes.
Kenya responded with a super tackle of their own in the 16th minute to lead 16-12. It was an engrossing first half as both teams fought hard to gain a slight edge. It was a half of super tackles and Kenya forced another one to lead 18-13. James Obilo achieved a high five for Kenya in the first half as they ended the first half with a four-point gap to lead 18-14.
Kenya forced another super tackle at the start of the second half to lead 21-14 after 22 minutes. Japan scored their first point in five minutes to trail 15-21 in the 25th minute. Kenyan defence dealt mostly in super tackles and unleashed two more in two minutes as Kenya led 25-17.
Kenya inflicted the first all out of the match in the 22nd minute to lead 31-18. James Obilo scored his 10th tackle point of the match and was the key man who marshaled Kenyan defence brilliantly. Japanese raiders struggled to a footing in the game and scored just eight points in 34 minutes.
Kenya led 37-20 after 36 minutes as they completely outclassed Japan in the second half. Kenya inflicted the second all out in the 37th minute to lead 42-20. Takano scored with a super raid in the 38th minute as Japan trailed 24-42. Kenya’s flurry of super tackles continued as they forced three more in the last two minutes to beat Japan 48-27. Kenya ended the game with a staggering 28 tackle points.
