Kenya Simbas and Kabras lock Hillary Odhiambo was named Man of the Match in the Elgon Cup match against Uganda Cranes at RFUEA Grounds.
Odhiambo, who debuted for the Kenya Simbas in 2023, has become a regular presence in the team’s second row, with seven caps for the 15s side, including six starts.
Kenya Simbas lock win
His performance in his seventh appearance earned him the Man of the Match accolade as the Simbas edged Uganda 27-25 on their return to RFUEA Grounds.
Kenya Simbas huddle before a past training session. PHOTO/Uganda Rugby Union
The Simbas started strong, with quick passes finding debutant Griffin Chao, who sprinted into the try zone to open the scoring at 5-0. Uganda had opportunities to respond, but Robin Philip Odrua missed two consecutive penalties, failing to secure an early lead.
In the 19th minute, Joseph Aredo also missed a penalty attempt from close range as Uganda continued to pressure Kenya’s defense. Kenya extended their lead in the 28th minute when Jeanson Musoga powered over from a maul, bringing the Simbas to a 10-0 lead. Timothy Okwemba slotted in the conversion from the far left, making it 12-0.
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Uganda responded after 33 minutes when Musoga was yellow-carded. Taking advantage of the extra man, Uganda opted for a scrum, and Pius Ogena emerged from the back to dive over for a converted try, narrowing the score to 12-7. Uganda kept their momentum as a well-executed move from fly-half Aaron Ofoywroth released Eric Mulamula, who broke through Kenya’s defense for a try. Shakim Ssembusi’s conversion pushed Uganda ahead 14-12, and Kenya conceded a penalty in the attack, ending the half.
In the second half, Ssembusi converted a penalty, giving Uganda a 17-12 lead. Kenya retaliated with two powerful mauls, and from the second, Brian Wahinya rose off a ruck to score. Okwemba added a conversion from a difficult angle, putting Kenya back in front at 19-17.
Kenya Simbas prepare for a scrum against EP Elephants. Photo Courtesy/ KRU
The Simbas pressed on, with Wahinya side-stepping his marker for another try off a maul, extending the lead to 24-17. Uganda fought back with a corner try by Odrua, reducing the deficit to 24-22. Jone Kubu came off the bench to secure three points, widening Kenya’s lead to 27-22.
Although Uganda added another three points to close the score to 27-25, the Simbas held firm to claim the victory.
