First half brilliance propels Kenya Simbas to another Elgon Cup title
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 16.11.24. | 20:42
The victory saw Kenya Simbas secure a 48-30 aggregate win over the Cranes
The Kenya men's national rugby 15s team successfully defended their Elgon Cup title after thumping Uganda Cranes 21-5 in the return leg played on Saturday 16 November at Kings Park, Uganda.
The victory saw Kenya Simbas secure a 48-30 aggregate win over the Cranes.
Coming into the clash with just a narrow 27-25 lead from the first leg in Nairobi, the Simbas faced considerable pressure as Uganda aimed to overturn the deficit.
However, Kenya silenced the sceptics with a clinical first half and rock-solid defense in the second.
Simbas Strike Early
Ephraim Oduor set the tone early, scoring in the third minute after Kenya’s sustained pick-and-drive phases. Timothy Okwemba added the extras, giving the visitors a 7-0 lead. Uganda had a chance to respond through a penalty, but Shakim Ssembusi’s effort went wide.
Kenya doubled their lead in the 18th minute when vice-captain Eugene Sifuna capitalized on a clever pass from Brian Wahinya. The opportunity arose after Uganda’s Aaron Ofoywroth failed to clear under pressure. Okwemba’s accurate boot extended the lead to 14-0.
The Simbas’ relentless attack bore fruit again when Andy Cole Omolo forced a mistake from Uganda’s Conrad Wanyama. A quick transition saw Wahinya set up Omolo for a try, which Okwemba converted, taking the score to 21-0.
Resilient Defense in the Second Half
Uganda looked to mount a comeback after halftime, especially with Kenya’s Alfred Orege sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. Despite the numerical advantage, the hosts failed to break through Kenya’s well-organized defense.
Jone Kubu and Sam Onsomu’s introduction reinvigorated the Simbas, who held firm against Uganda’s late surge.
The hosts finally got on the board with a consolation try from Sydney Gongodyo, who shrugged off Griffin Chao to score. However, the result was never in doubt as Kenya sealed the win.
The victory not only secured Kenya the Elgon Cup but also capped off their 2024 campaign on a high note.
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