Kisumu RFC finally collected their first win of the season after edging Impala RFC 29-22 in a thrilling Kenya Cup clash played at Mamboleo Stadium on Saturday, also retaining the Obange Cup.
It looked like Impala were headed for a comfortable afternoon after racing to a 22-point first-half haul, but the hosts turned up the heat in the second period to end a poor run of results.
Kisumu had lost their previous three meetings against Impala RFC and had endured a difficult start to the season, including a 41-28 defeat to Daystar Falcons last weekend.
Impala made a dream start when Meshack Andale crossed for a try inside two minutes, although his conversion attempt went wide. He later redeemed himself by slotting over a penalty to stretch the lead to 8-0.
Kisumu RFC responded in the ninth minute through captain Christopher Otieno, who crossed for a try that went unconverted. Impala, however, hit back with two quick tries.
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First, Tyson Okoth went over under the posts in the 18th minute, extending his tally to three tries in as many matches this season. Derrick Kinyari then added another seven minutes later after exploiting the Kisumu defence, with his try converted to make it 22-5.
Kisumu fought back and were rewarded in the 33rd minute when Manuel Weyusia scored to cut the gap to 22-12. David Williams crossed just before halftime and his conversion reduced the deficit further, sending Impala into the break leading 22-15.
After sustained pressure in the second half, Walter Ambe broke through the defence to score and level the match at 22-22, before Kisumu took the lead for the first time following a successful conversion.
Impala had a chance to respond, but Andale’s kick struck the posts. Williams would later grab another try to give Kisumu a crucial cushion.
Impala were reduced to 14 men after Israel Soi was shown a yellow card with 12 minutes remaining, and Kisumu held on for a memorable comeback victory, moving up to six points on the table and overtaking MMUST, who were not in action this weekend.
