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HSK
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.
Paarwater was far from pleased with his boys' performances despite their narrow 27-25 win over Uganda in the Elgon Cup first leg clash that took place in Nairobi.
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.
Kenya narrowly edged out a spirited Uganda Cranes side 27-25 in Nairobi, and have their work cut out to get the overall victory away in Kampala next week.
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.
