Kenya Simbas claimed the 14th Elgon Cup after winning 20-13 for an aggregate 40-13 in a match played at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.
Following a disheartening 21-20 loss to Uganda last weekend, the Simbas were in desperate need of redemption in this crucial encounter to secure a win and maintain possession of the Elgon Cup in 2019.
UG eyeing double over Kenya Simbas
On the flip side, Uganda aimed for a double triumph over the Simbas, building on their previous victory at King Park Arena that secured the Victoria Cup.
Kenya Simbas train at Kyadondo. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
The Simbas initiated the match with an impressive start, immediately putting Uganda on the defensive. A high tackle by Asuman Mugerwa resulted in a penalty for the Simbas, expertly converted by Jone Kubu, granting them an early 3-0 lead.
Stretching their advantage, the Simbas orchestrated a successful lineout followed by a powerful maul, driving the forwards into Uganda’s try box.
Elkeans Musonye capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a try, and with Kubu’s successful conversion, the Simbas surged to a 10-0 lead.
Uganda retaliated with Ivan Magomu’s accurate penalty kick, narrowing the gap to 10-3.
Despite Magomu’s subsequent attempts to alter the scoreline, his kicks went wide in the intense clash.
The Simbas, too, missed opportunities to capitalize, leading both teams to head into halftime with only a seven-point margin separating them.
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In the second half, the Simbas wasted no time making an impact. Kubu showcased his skill, changing direction and slicing through the opposition before accelerating to secure a try. Kubu continued his stellar performance by converting, extending the Simbas’ lead to 17-3.
The pursuit of a second try persisted, but Elkeans Musonye’s attempt for a brace was thwarted when he was penalized for a double movement during his try attempt.
Uganda managed to break through in the 61st minute, as Ivan Magomu’s crosskick found Timothy Kisiga, who scored a try at the left corner. Liam Walker’s successful conversion narrowed the gap to seven points.
Uganda continued closing in, with Walker drilling in a penalty, bringing the score to 17-13. However, his subsequent attempt to make it 17-16 went wide, and another penalty opportunity bounced off the posts.
Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua and Uganda’s Ivan Magomu and Zambia’s captain Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
In the 75th minute, Kubu came to the forefront again, delivering a crucial penalty to restore the Simbas’ lead to 20-13. Despite conceding a penalty in attack and a yellow card to Paul Mutsami, the Simbas, a man down, tenaciously held on to their slim lead.
This victory marks the Simbas’ fifth consecutive win in the Elgon Cup.
KENYA SIMBAS squad
15.Brian Wahinya, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami, 11. Derrick Ashiundu, 10. Jone Kubu, 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga
REPLACEMENTS 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Wilhite Mususi, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Dan Ang’wech, 22. Shem Okola (debut), 23. Andrew Matoka
Uganda squad: 1.Santos Ssenteza, 2.Faraji Odugo, 3. Asuman Mugerwa, 4. Robert Aziku, 5. Charles Uhuru, 6. Byron Oketayot, 7.Moses Zziwa, 8. Sydney Gongodyo, 9. Conrad Wanyama, 10.Ivan Magomu, 11. Al Haji Manano, 12 Innocent Gwotko, 13. Michael Wokorach, 14.Shakim Sembusi, 15. Timothy Kisiga
16.Nathan Bwambale, 17. Ivan Kabagambe, 18. Collins Kimbowa, 19. Julius Opio, 20.Frank Kidega, 21. Liam Walker, 22.Joseph Aredo, 23.Nicholas Kato
