
Simbas roar past Zambia in Victoria Cup opener
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 02.11.23. | 11:10
With that emphatic win, the Kenyans have successfully cruised into the Victoria Cup semifinal where they will lock horns with arch-rivals Uganda on Sunday
Kenya 15s national team; Simbas kickstarted their Victoria Cup with a bang following a 36-12 victory over Zambia in the match played at the Kyadondo Rugby Club in Kampala on Wednesday, November 1.
It was Hillary Odhiambo who opened the scores for Simbas thanks to his two five-pointers. The sensational Jone Kubu was sure with the conversions to see Kenya take a 14-0 lead.
Minutes later, it was debutant Paul Mutsami of Kenya Harlequins dancing through the Zambian defense to see Kenyans lead at 19-0. The conversion attempt was off.
Towards the end of the opening half, the resilient Zambians caused the Simbas to infringe, and Alex Mwewa and Terry Kaushiku managed six points to see Kenya take a 19-6 lead at halftime.
In the closing half, Kubu was back with his chronicles, this time with an unconverted try. The Zambians responded with two penalties to bring the score to 24-12.
Teddy Akala would land an unconverted five-pointer, with captain George Wambua leading by example to score the last try of the match. Nyambua's try was converted by Andrew Matoka.
With that emphatic win, the Kenyans have successfully cruised into the Victoria Cup semifinal where they will lock horns with arch-rivals Uganda on Sunday 5 November. The match will also serve as the first leg of the Elgon Cup.
The Elgon Cup will culminate in Kisumu where rivalry will be renewed.
Defending champions Zimbabwe, who won the trophy in 2019 are set to miss this year's edition owing to financial constraints.
Simbas v Victoria Match Day 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 Ashiundu, 23. Andrew Matoka









.jpeg)




