Namibia's Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a losing start as they went down 29-22 to Kenya in Antananarivo on Saturday.

Namibia led 12-7 at half time but Kenya finished stronger, running in four tries to take a bonus point win. Namibia slo got one bonus point for losing by less than eight points.

Namibia got off to a great start with two tries by wing Heinrich Smit within the first 10 minutes.

The first came from the kickoff after a good break by eighth man PJ van Lill who quickly spread the ball down the back line for Smit to go over in the corner.

Kotze missed the penalty but soon made amends when he converted Smit's second try after a fine break by Relaldo Botha to put Namibia 12-0 ahead.

Kenya however did well to come back with a try shortly before halftime and when they added a second early in the second half they took a 14-12 lead, with flyhalf Lavin Asego adding his second conversion.

A third try by scrum half Edward Achavo put them 19-12 ahead on 46m, but Namibia struck back with a fine try by fullback Chrysander Botha, who cut through the back line to dot down. With Theuns Kotze adding the conversion the teams were level at 19-all.

A Kotze penalty put Namibia 22-19 ahead but Kenya once again drew level through an Asego penalty on 60m.

In the final quarter Namibia's discipline dropped as they conceded too many penalties and Kenya drew level at 22-22 through another Asego penalty.

They took the lead on 65m when substitute Andrew Amonde went over for a converted try, and despite Asego missing two kickable attempts in the final minutes, Kenya held on to win the match 29-22.

In the second match African World Cup qualifying match, Zimbabwe ran out comfortable 57-22 victors against Madagascar.

Namibia's next match is against Zimbabwe on 2 July.