Kenya Simbas cruised to a 54-24 win over UAE Rugby in a training match held at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday afternoon.
The clash marked Simbas’ first match since their Elgon Cup triumph over Uganda in 2024. With the coaching staff keen on trimming the squad ahead of their upcoming camp in South Africa, the match served as an important assessment opportunity for the technical bench.
Kenya Simbas start
Simbas began on the front foot, pinning UAE in their own half early on. They nearly opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Sheldon Kahi was held up over the line, forcing the referee to revert to an earlier infringement. Despite UAE’s repeated penalties, the visitors managed to clear their lines.
Against the run of play, UAE struck first. A poor clearance by Festus Shiasi allowed UAE’s inside centre Justin Walsh to power over for a try under the posts. The conversion made it 7-0. Walsh would soon add a second try, again converted, giving the visitors a 14-0 advantage by the 30-minute mark.
Simbas responded by bringing in an entirely new set of 15 players. Beldad Ogeta crossed the whitewash but his try was chalked off for a knock-on in the buildup. The breakthrough eventually came when Bethuel Anami forced his way over the line, and Eric Cantona added the extras to cut the deficit to 14-7.
However, Simbas were reduced to 14 men when Patrick Sabatia was yellow-carded after a collision. UAE capitalized quickly, extending their lead to 21-7 after Cantona misjudged a bouncing ball. They nearly added another, but a try-saving tackle from Derrick Ashihundu kept Simbas within reach.
Kenya then launched a brilliant counterattack from their own 22. Powerful carries from Ovwamu set the stage for Cantona, who finished under the posts and converted to make it 21-14. A late penalty by UAE saw the visitors lead 24-14 at halftime.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Why Patrick Odongo Okong’o feels indebted
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
The final 30 minutes belonged to the experienced players. Simbas went to the corner from a penalty and executed a textbook maul that saw Elkeans Musonye dive over. Timothy Omela converted for 24-21.
Moments later, Samuel Asati set up Ibrahim Ayoo for a try that put Simbas ahead for the first time, 26-24. Walter Okoth appeared to have scored, but the try was ruled out. Persistent UAE infringements led to a penalty try, extending the lead to 31-24.
Simbas continued their dominance with Omela slicing through on the left wing before offloading to Griffin Chao for a converted try (38-24). Tyson Juma’s chip and chase on the right saw him regather the ball and set up Andycole Omollo to score. The lead stretched to 45-24.
The final try was a result of a scrum move that saw Asati break through and set up Bryceson Adaka for a centre-post try, sealing a 54-24 win for the Simbas.
Kenya Simbas squad
First Squad
Forwards: Edward Mwaura, Celestine Mboi, Vincent Mwikali, Brian Juma, Elvis Olukusi, William Mwanji, Kevin Wekesa, Sheldon Kahi
Backs: Brian Tanga, Brian Wahinya, Festus Shiasi, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Austine Sikutwa, Isaac Njoroge
Third Squad
Eugine Sifuna, Griffin Musila, Ephraim Oduor, Ibrahim Ayoo, Andycole Omollo, George Nyambua, Obat Kuke, Elkeans Musonye, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Tyson Juma, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Griffin Chao, Timothy Omela
