Kenya Legends produced a determined performance to defeat Uganda Legends 17-10 in the return leg of the Legends Cup, overturning a one-point first-leg deficit to lift the trophy with a 32-26 aggregate victory.
Heading into the encounter in Uganda, Kenya had extra motivation after suffering a narrow 16-15 defeat in the first leg meeting, a result that snapped their impressive six-match winning streak.
With the hosts enjoying home advantage, the visitors responded with resilience on both sides of the ball to reclaim bragging rights and secure the fourth Legends Cup.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Kenya showing attacking intent from the opening minutes. Collins Injera broke through the Ugandan defence to score the opening try, giving Kenya a 5-0 lead after Darwin Mukidza was unable to convert.
Uganda had an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 10th minute after Kenya conceded a penalty, but Ivan Kirabo’s kick drifted wide. Kenya were also unable to capitalize on a penalty chance in the 20th minute as Mukidza missed an attempt to stretch the lead.
The hosts finally got on the scoreboard in the 27th minute after Kenya conceded another penalty deep inside their own territory. Chris Lubanga calmly slotted the kick to make it 5-3.
Kenya responded perfectly before the halftime whistle when Victor Sudi crossed the whitewash for their second try, extending the advantage to 10-3 heading into the break.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
- Collins Injera inducted into Fiji’s Rugby Town Walk of Fame
Uganda started the second half with renewed urgency but failed to capitalize on another penalty opportunity nine minutes after the restart as the kick sailed wide.
In the 56th minute, Uganda opted for a scrum instead of taking a straightforward penalty after Kenya infringed near the try line. However, Kenya’s defensive line stood firm, repelling wave after wave of pressure to preserve their seven-point cushion.
Kenya dealt a decisive blow in the 64th minute when Tony Owuor spun past defenders to score under pressure. Mukidza added the conversion to give the visitors a commanding 17-3 advantage.
Uganda refused to give up and reduced the deficit in the 69th minute through Robert Aziku, with Lubanga converting to bring the score to 17-10.
Kenya had one final opportunity to increase their lead after winning a late penalty, but the attempt went wide. Uganda then launched one last assault, choosing another scrum deep inside Kenya’s 22 in search of a converted try that would swing the contest.
The Kenyan defence once again stood tall, denying Uganda any route to the try line as the final whistle confirmed a 17-10 victory.
Having narrowly lost the first leg 16-15, Kenya’s seven-point triumph in the return fixture handed them a 32-26 aggregate victory, completing a remarkable comeback to claim the Legends Cup and avenge their earlier defeat.
