Kenya Simbas put six tries past Zambia to win their 2023 Victoria Cup 15s opening match played at Kyadondo on Wednesday 36-12.
Heading to this, Zambia had lost the opener against Uganda in the Victoria Cup opener and were up against the Simbas who were playing their first match since the Currie Cup.
Kenya Simbas vs Zambia
This was the first meeting between these teams since Kenya Simbas had convincingly defeated Zambia with a score of 45-8 in a one-sided Rugby Africa Cup Pool B match that took place at Nyayo Stadium in July 2021. During that match, Jone Kubu had an outstanding performance, earning him the title of the man of the match with a total of 18 points.
Kenya Simbas huddle before training. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
Despite having 13 players making their first international appearances, the Simbas got off to a strong start and managed to score in just the second minute. They capitalized on a penalty, opting for a lineout that led to a rolling maul, resulting in Ephraim Oduor touching down. Kubu successfully added the extra points, giving the Simbas a 7-0 lead.
Zambia had two penalty opportunities but was unable to capitalize, with Terry Kaushiku’s penalty kick attempt missing the mark. The Simbas extended their lead in the eighth minute when Kubu executed a cross-kick that was expertly claimed by Joel Inzuga. Inzuga managed to beat his opponent, David Chimbukulu, and scored the second try, with Kubu converting it from a challenging angle, increasing the Simbas’ lead to 14-0.
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The Kenya Simbas further increased their lead to 19-0 when Paul Mutsami powered over for his first try while wearing a Simbas shirt. However, Kubu’s impressive streak came to an end when his conversion kick hit the posts.
Kenya experienced a series of errors in the match, including knock-ons and penalties as they seemed to struggle on the wet surface. Zambia capitalized on this with Alex Mwewa successfully slotting in two penalties. As a result, both teams headed into the halftime break, with the Simbas leading by 13 points.
Kenya Simbas second half
In the second half, Zambia managed to earn an early penalty, reducing the deficit to 19-12. The Simbas, though, managed to stretch their lead after a scrum.
Jeanson Misoga, the eighth man, nearly crossed over, but he was stopped just short of the try line. Brian Wahinya then passed the ball to Kubu, allowing him to score an easy try. However, his conversion attempt missed the mark, and Kenya led 24-12.4
Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua and Zambia’s Ali Bhika. Photo/Uganda Rugby Union
After several maul attempts being thwarted, the Simbas earned the fifth try off Teddy Akala following a maul on the left side. The conversion attempt by Andrew Matoka fell short.
Matoka would have landed the sixth try but after his beautiful run through the defence, he couldn’t gather the ball back. Kenya Simbas captain George Nyambua forced his way through with a try from a ruck and it was converted for a 36-12.
Emmanuel Otieno, Thomas Okidia, Wilhite Mususi, Brian Ndirangu, Peter Waitere and Dan Ang’wech came of the bench for their debut.
Kenya Simbas will now shift focus to the East African Derby against Uganda on Sunday.
KENYA SIMBAS STARTING SQUAD
15.Jone Kubu, 14. Joel Inzuga*, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami*, 11. Alfred Orege*, 10, Brian Wahinya (Vice Captain), 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo*, 5. Hillary Odhiambo*, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga*
REPLACEMENTS 16. Emmanuel Otieno*, 17. Thomas Okidia*, 18. Wilhite Mususi*, 19, Brian Ndirangu*, 20. Peter Waitere*, 21. Dan Ang’wech*, 22. Derrick Ashihundu, 23. Andrew Matoka
