Kenya Simbas retain Elgon Cup
By Collins Amanga, November 12, 2023
The Kenya Simbas clinched their 14th Elgon Cup title with a 20-13 triumph over Uganda, securing a comprehensive 40-13 aggregate victory in a fiercely contested match at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu.
Seeking redemption after a narrow 21-20 defeat to Uganda the previous weekend, the Simbas showcased their determination from the outset. A high tackle by Asuman Mugerwa resulted in a penalty for the Simbas, expertly converted by Jone Kubu, providing an early 3-0 lead.
Kenya Simbas first try
Capitalizing on their momentum, the Simbas executed a flawless lineout followed by a powerful maul, propelling the forwards into Uganda’s try box. Elkeans Musonye seized the opportunity, scoring a try, and with Kubu’s precise conversion, the Simbas surged ahead 10-0.
Uganda retaliated with Ivan Magomu’s accurate penalty kick, narrowing the gap to 10-3. Despite Magomu’s subsequent attempts to alter the scoreline, his kicks went wide, allowing the Simbas to maintain a seven-point advantage heading into halftime.
In the second half, the Simbas wasted no time extending their lead. Kubu displayed exceptional agility, changing direction and slicing through the opposition to secure a try. His successful conversion increased the Simbas’ lead to 17-3.
Despite their commanding position, the Simbas missed opportunities to secure a second try, notably when Elkeans Musonye’s attempt for a brace was penalized for a double movement.
Kenya Simbas concede
Uganda managed to break through in the 61st minute, as Magomu’s crosskick found Timothy Kisiga, who scored a try at the left corner. Liam Walker’s successful conversion narrowed the gap to seven points.
Uganda continued their comeback, with Walker drilling in a penalty, bringing the score to 17-13. However, his subsequent attempt to narrow the margin to 17-16 went wide, and another penalty opportunity bounced off the posts.
In the 75th minute, Kubu once again proved pivotal, delivering a crucial penalty to restore the Simbas’ lead to 20-13. Despite conceding a penalty in attack and a yellow card to Paul Mutsami, the Simbas, a man down, resiliently held on to secure their fifth consecutive Elgon Cup victory.