Cheetahs secured their second consecutive win by defeating the Lions 18-16 at Nakuru Athletics Club.
Both teams came into the match with victories in their opening games, with the Lions aiming to maintain their lead at the top of the standings, having secured a bonus-point win in their first match.
Meanwhile, the Cheetahs were also coming off a win and were determined to climb to the top of the standings while playing on their home turf.
Cheetahs concede
The match was closely contested from the outset, with the Lions initially taking the lead through a penalty kicked by Elvis Namusasi, putting them ahead 3-0.
However, the Cheetahs turned the tide just before halftime when Tony Oketch’s grubber kick, which seemed destined to go out of play, was kept alive by Alvin Khavoli and eventually gathered by Tyson Maina for the opening try.
Quinto Ongo successfully added the conversion, giving the Cheetahs a 7-3 lead heading into halftime.
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After the break, Namusasi narrowed the gap with another successful penalty kick for the Lions. However, Ongo extended the Cheetahs’ lead with a penalty of his own.
The kicking battle continued as Namusasi once again brought the Lions within a point with another successful penalty.
The Cheetahs then seized momentum with Beldad Ogeta crossing the try line for their second try of the match, although Ongo missed the subsequent conversion attempt.
Cheetahs crucial penalty
Philip Okeyo further extended the Cheetahs’ lead with a crucial penalty.
Despite a late surge from the Lions resulting in a try by Manaseh Oduor, converted by Namusasi, cutting the deficit to 18-16, the final whistle blew, securing victory for the Cheetahs.
Cheetahs Starting Lineup
Francis Orembe, Celestine Mboi, Desterious Makenzi, Ibrahim Ayoo ©, Clinton Juma, Amos Nyamanya, Felix Odhiambo, Elkeans Mukamiti, Samson Onsomu, Tonny Owino, Beldad Ogeta, Chrispine Shitundo, Tyson Maina, Alvin Khavoli, Quinto Ongo
Bench
Emmanuel Mboya, Eric Miheso, Bryan Onyango, Nelson Tengeye, Tyson Okoth, Philip Otieno, Samuel Macharia
Lions Starting Lineup
Oscar Simiyu, Givens Oduor, Patrick Ouko, Collins Kubayo, Emmanuel Silungi, Eliakim Kichoi, Obat Kuke ©, Felix Ojoo, Emmanuel Opondo, Elvis Namusasi, Derrick Wechuli, Bob Muhati, Levi Amunga ©, Davies Masinga, Benjamin Rugar
Bench
James Ochieng’, Nicholas Okullo, Wilhite Mususi, Andy Cole Omollo, Manasseh Oduor, Randy Wamah, Derrick Masese, Charles Tendwa
