Kevin Phelan holds a share of the lead at the Africa Open.

The Waterford man carded a 5-under par 67 for his opening round, leaving with a share of the lead alongside England's Matt Ford.

European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke carded a level-par 72.

Leaderboard

-5 Matt Ford (ENG)
-5 Kevin Phelan (IRL)
-4 Richard Bland (ENG)
-4 Neil Schietekat (RSA)
-4 Eduardo de la Riva (ESP) EN and ES
-4 David Howell (ENG)
-4 John Parry (ENG)
-3 Matt Fitzpatrick (ENG)
-3 Gregory Havret (FRA) EN and FR
-2 Felipe Aguilar (CHI) EN and ES
-2 Shaun Norris (RSA)