Kenya Simbas soar to resounding victory over Zambia in thrilling Victoria Cup opener

RUGBY Kenya Simbas soar to resounding victory over Zambia in thrilling Victoria Cup opener

Abigael Wafula 18:30 - 01.11.2023

Kenya Simbas stunned Zambia to take the top honours in their Victoria Cup opening match as debutants displayed prowess.

Kenya Simbas put up a good fight to secure a 36-12 commanding win over Zambia in the Victoria Cup match opener at the King’s Park Arena in Kampala, Uganda.

There was early ball inheritance from the Zambian side but Team Kenya could not let the Zambians reign. Jone Kubu started piling up early pressure with Team Kenya seeming more composed and readier for the top honours.

Two minutes into the game, Ephraim Oduor scored a try with the help of teammates who propelled him to the line. Kubu converted successfully and Kenya were now seven points ahead.

The previous time Kenya and Zambia met was during the 2021 Africa Cup where team Kenya stunned the Zambians and with such a great start, they seemed ready to repeat history.

Peter Firi of Zambia won a penalty with the mistake being on debutant Hillary Mwanjilwa. However, the Zambian could not be able to score.

In the eighth minute, debutant Joel Inzuga capitalised on Kubu’s kick and maintained composure as he scored a try, taking Team Kenya 12 points ahead. Kubu was able to convert successfully earning Kenya 14 points.

Debutant Paul Mutsami then scored another try in the 21st minute. Team Kenya held the ball and were very defensive, giving Zambia no chance to stop them. Unfortunately, Kubu failed to convert, but Team Kenya were already 19 points ahead. Zambia then won a penalty but they fail to capitalise on that.

Zambia then earned another penalty and it was converted successfully by Alex Mwewa, earning them three points. The Zambians then won another penalty and converted successfully, getting them to six points in the 35th minute.

Coming back for the second half, Team Kenya had a false start and Zambia were awarded a penalty. Terry Kaushika converted successfully, taking Team Kenya to nine points.

In the 49th minute, Kubu, the man with the meticulous assists scored a try and extended the Kenyan lead to 24 points without a conversion. Kubu then missed out on the conversion. Zambia then earn another penalty and manage to covert, taking them to 12 points.

Andrew Matoka then replaced Kubu in the second half and he had very big shoes to fill since the Fijian had done a lot of hard work during his time in the field.

Teddy Akala then scored another try for Team Kenya in the 72nd minute, taking the team to 29 points with the conversion unsuccessful. George Nyambua then won another try score, earning the team 34 points without a conversion. The final conversion was made by Derrick Ashiundu.

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