Kenya Simbas retained their Elgon Cup title by defeating Uganda Cranes 27-25 in a closely contested match at RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi. Key moments included early tries by Griffin Chao and Misoga, followed by a strong fightback from Uganda. Despite Uganda’s efforts late in the game, Kenya held firm to secure the victory, setting a positive tone ahead of their next match in the Victoria Cup.
The Kenya Simbas successfully defended their Elgon Cup title by narrowly defeating Uganda Cranes 27-25 during a closely contested match held at RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on November 9, 2024. The Simbas established an early lead with a try from Griffin Chao, complemented by a subsequent try from Misoga, which allowed them to hold a 12-0 advantage initially. However, Uganda responded with a series of strong plays, culminating in tries from Pius Ogena and Innocent Gwokto, leading to a halftime score of 14-12 in favor of Uganda. In the second half, Uganda extended their lead with a strategically executed penalty; however, the Simbas regained momentum with a try from Brian Wahinya. Following this, Wahinya scored once more, establishing a 24-17 lead for Kenya. Uganda was relentless, scoring again but failing to convert, which kept the scoreboard tight. Jone Kubu then added a penalty for Kenya, making the score 27-22. Uganda managed one last penalty in the final minutes, closing in on the Simbas at 27-25, but Kenya held on to secure the victory. This win enhances the Simbas’ confidence as they prepare for the upcoming second leg of the Victoria Cup in Uganda.
The Elgon Cup is a highly anticipated rugby competition between Kenya and Uganda, representing a long-standing rivalry in East African rugby. The 2024 edition of the Elgon Cup was particularly significant for the Kenya Simbas, who aimed to retain the title after their previous victory in Kisumu. This match not only reflected the competitive spirit of both teams but also illustrated the growth of rugby in the region, highlighting the skills and determination of the players involved. The victory also serves as preparation for the Simbas ahead of the second leg of the Victoria Cup.
The match concluded with the Kenya Simbas managing to retain their Elgon Cup title through a combination of strategic plays and resilience in the face of a determined Uganda side. The final score of 27-25 reflects the closely matched prowess of both teams during the game. As the Simbas look forward to the next stages of their tournament endeavors, this victory serves as a crucial stepping stone in their campaign for continued success in regional rugby.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
