USIU Martials are through to the final of the Impala Floodlit Varsity category after claiming a 22-11 victory over Daystar Falcons in a tightly contested semifinal played at the Impala Club on Saturday.
The Martials had booked their semifinal spot after edging Kabete Stallions 28-25 in extra time, while Daystar Falcons advanced following a 20-13 win over Mean Machine.
Daystar Falcons changes
For this clash, Daystar made nine changes to their squad, missing key players including Clinton Amukwachi, Eddy Wambugu, Patrick Odongo, Chris Obuya, and Arnold Agonda.
The opening half was evenly matched, with both sides showing strong defensive organization. USIU broke the deadlock through a try off a scrum to take a 5-0 lead. Daystar responded with a penalty to cut the deficit, and the scores remained tight at halftime with only two points separating the sides.
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After the break, the game opened up as both teams traded penalties early in the half. Daystar briefly edged ahead before the Martials responded immediately with their own three-pointer to reclaim the lead at 8-6.
Moments later, Hakeem Shawn powered over for USIU’s second try, which Hamfrey Kimeli converted to stretch the advantage to 15-6. The Martials continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with another unconverted try to extend the lead to 22-6.
Daystar managed a late unconverted try to close the gap to 22-11, but it was not enough to stop the Martials, who held firm to book their place in the Floodlit Varsity final.
