Kenya Simbas narrowly defeated Uganda Cranes 27-25 in an intense first leg of the 2024 Elgon Cup at RFUEA Grounds.
This marked the Simbas’ first clash against Uganda at the venue since 2018, with recent matches having taken place in Kisumu.
Kenya Simbas start
The Simbas started strong, making quick passes that found debutant Griffin Chao, who sprinted into the try zone to open the scoring at 5-0.
Kenya Simbas in action against Uganda in Elgon Cup. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma
Uganda had an opportunity to close the gap, but Robin Philip Odrua missed two consecutive penalties, failing to secure an early lead for his team.
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 to score, bringing the Simbas to a 10-0 lead. Timothy Okwemba then slotted in the conversion from the far left, making it 12-0.
Uganda responded after 33 minutes when Misoga 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 try, which was converted, narrowing the score to 12-7.
Uganda continued their momentum, as a well-executed move from fly-half Aaron Ofoywroth released Innocent Gwokto, who broke through Kenya’s defense for a try.
Shakim Ssembusi’s conversion pushed Uganda ahead 14-12, just before Kenya conceded a penalty in the attack, leading to the halftime whistle.
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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.
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.
Kenya Simbas hold on
Though Uganda added another three points to close the score to 27-25, the Simbas held firm to claim the victory.
The Simbas now take a narrow lead into the second leg, which will be held in Kampala, Uganda, on November 16, 2024.
