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RUGBY CRANES LOSE TO KENYA SIMBAS.
Kenya Simba’s nonchalantly roll over Uganda Cranes to clinch 2024 Elgon-Victoria Cup in Kampala.
The Kenya National 15s side Kenya Simbas clinched the 2024 Elgon-Victoria Cup following a 21-5 second leg win over the Uganda Cranes in a clash that took place at the Kings Park Stadium in Kampala on Saturday.
Kenya, who had claimed a 27-25 win in Nairobi a week ago, went all guns blazing in the second leg, with well converted tries by Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna and man-of-the-match rookie Andy Cole Omollo to consolidate a 48-30 aggregate win over their East African neighbours.
First half
Kenya wasted no time asserting their dominance. By the third minute, a relentless maul pinned Uganda back, allowing Ephraim Oduor to break through for the opening try, expertly converted by Omela for a 7-0 lead.
In the 18th minute, Eugene Sifuna doubled the lead with a well-executed try, capitalizing on swift passing and clinical execution to make it 14-0.
Rookie Andy Cole Omollo then added his name to the score sheet in the 25th minute, darting past Uganda’s defense to land Kenya’s third try. Omela’s conversion brought the score to 21-0, leaving the hosts struggling to find their footing.
The Cranes struggled to find their rhythm against Kenya’s disciplined defense. Despite a rare numerical advantage when Alfred Orege was sin-binned in the 36th minute for a high-impact tackle on Innocent Gwokto, Uganda failed to capitalize.
Shakim Ssembusi fumbled a promising pass after a swift switch of play, and Gwokto’s attempt to break through was thwarted by a vigilant Kenyan backline, denying the Cranes any momentum.
Second half
The second half saw Uganda desperately trying to claw back into the game. Gwokto again found himself with a scoring chance, but Kenya’s defense tackled him off the pitch, preserving their clean sheet.
The Simbas shifted their focus to defense, producing a resolute display that stifled Uganda’s attempts to gain territorial advantage. Their cohesive backline and effective tackling ensured the scoreline remained unchanged.
Moments before full time, Sidney Gongodio landed a try after a good swift move practically involving almost all the players that was well converted, but it was not converted, giving Kenya the win.
The emphatic win not only secured the Elgon-Victoria Cup for Kenya but also underscored the Simbas’ defensive prowess and tactical discipline. The team’s ability to dominate both legs of the competition reaffirms their status as a rugby powerhouse in the region.
With the 48-25 aggregate victory, the Kenya Simbas have set the tone for their future fixtures, leaving Uganda with much to ponder as they look to rebuild after the defeat.
Coaches share expectations
Kenya’s head coach Jerome Paarwater anticipates another nail-biting encounter, predicting a close contest that could be decided in the final moments.
“It might come to the last minute of the game because that’s how tight it was in Nairobi. I expect nothing less,” Paarwater told Kawowo Sports.
“Overall, we will be ready tomorrow for the game, and Uganda, I think they will also be ready. I think it’s going to be nice for the crowd to come out and just experience a nice game of rugby.”
In contrast, Uganda’s coach Marvin Odongo exuded confidence, boldly declaring his team’s intent to emerge victorious.
“I can assure you that this weekend we shall be winning this game. Final score is: we are going to win by seven, and we shall be the champions,” Odongo said.
A rich rivalry
As the competition marks its 20th anniversary in 2024, the Elgon Cup continues to showcase the storied rivalry between these East African rugby giants.
Kenya has dominated the tournament over the years, winning it 13 times compared to Uganda’s three titles.
Kenya Simbas line-up
The Simbas head into the crucial match with minimal changes to their starting lineup:
Front Row: Ephraim Oduor and Wilhite Mususi retain their places as props, with vice-captain Eugene Sifuna at hooker.
Second Row: Player of the match from the first leg, Hillary Odhiambo, pairs with Emmanuel Silunngi.
Back Row: Captain George Nyambua leads the charge alongside Andy Cole Omolo and Jeanson Misoga.
Halfbacks: Brian Wahinya (scrum-half) and Barry Robinson (fly-half) continue their partnership.
Midfield: Walter Okoth and Tyson Maina anchor the center.
Back Three: Alfred Orege, Griffin Chao, and Timothy Okwemba form the backline.
The bench includes Griffin Musila, Hibrahim Ayoo, Elkeans Musonye, Samson Onsomu, Jone Kubu, and Paul Mutsami, ensuring depth and options for the Simbas.
What’s at Stake
With the trophy on the line, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter in the Kenya-Uganda rugby rivalry.
Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere in Kampala as both teams battle for regional supremacy. Will Kenya retain the title, or will Uganda dethrone the champions? The answer lies in Saturday’s showdown.
Kenya Simbas Head Coach Jerome Paarwater has confirmed the final squad to face Uganda Rugby Cranes in the highly anticipated Elgon Cup return leg, set for Saturday, November 16.
The South African tactician has shown confidence in the side that narrowly edged Uganda 27-25 in the first leg in Nairobi opting to maintain the starting lineup that delivered the crucial win.
However, Paarwater has made strategic adjustments on the bench, bringing in props Edward Mwaura and Hillary Mwanjilwa to add depth and firepower.
The Simbas’ front row remains unchanged with Ephraim Oduor and Wilhite Mususi retaining their positions as props while vice-captain Eugene Sifuna continues to anchor the scrum as hooker.
The formidable second-row pairing of Hillary Odhiambo and Emmanuel Silungi has also been retained with Odhiambo’s stellar performance last weekend earning him a well-deserved place.
Odhiambo’s commanding display saw him named Player of the Match and his partnership with Silungi is expected to provide stability in the lineouts.
In the back row, captain George Nyambua leads from the front supported by Andy Cole Omolo and Jeanson Misoga.
The halfback pairing of Brian Wahinya and Barry Robinson remains intact, offering continuity and tactical sharpness.
Wahinya’s quick distribution and Robinson’s composure at fly-half will be pivotal in orchestrating the Simbas’ game plan.
The midfield partnership of Walter Okoth and Tyson Maina is expected to bring both physicality and flair, while the back three of Alfred Orege, Griffin Chao, and Timothy Okwemba provide speed and attacking options.
The bench now features the inclusions of Edward Mwaura and Hillary Mwanjilwa, who bring fresh energy and experience to the front row.
They join Griffin Musila, Hibrahim Ayoo, Elkeans Musonye, Samson Onsomu, Jone Kubu, and Paul Mutsami as impactful replacements ready to influence the game if called upon.
Kenya will look to build on their slim advantage from the first leg and capitalize on their home performance as they aim to retain the prestigious Elgon Cup.
Uganda, on the other hand, will be eager to overturn the deficit, setting the stage for a fierce and enthralling encounter.
The Simbas are banking on the leadership of captain Nyambua and the tactical guidance of Paarwater to inspire the team to glory.
Kenya Simbas
1. Ephraim Oduor 2. Eugene Sifuna – VC 3. Wilhite Mususi Emmanuel Silungi 5. Hillary Odhiambo 6. George Nyambua – C 7. Andycole Omolo 8. Jeanson Misoga 9. Brian Wahinya 10. Barry Young – VC 11. Alfred Orege 12. Walter Okoth 13. Tyson Maina 14. Griffin Chao 15. Timothy Omela
16. Griffin Musila 17. Edward Mwaura 18. Hillary Mwanjilwa 19. Hibrahim Ayoo 20. Elkeans Musonye 21. Samson Onsomu 22. Jone Kubu 23. Paul Mutsami