In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Kenya Simbas showcased their rugby prowess at the Victoria Cup opener, defeating Zambia 36-12 in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Curtis Olago’s charges outplayed the Zambians with an impressive six tries to zero, securing a bonus-point win that left the opposition in awe.
The game kicked off with a bang as prop Ephraim Oduor bulldozed his way over the whitewash just two minutes into the match, giving the Simbas an early 7-0 lead after fullback Jone Kubu’s successful conversion. The momentum continued as Kubu executed a perfect crosskick, setting up winger Joel Inzuga for another try. With Kubu’s precise conversion, the Simbas surged ahead 14-0, leaving the Zambians struggling to find their footing.
Despite Zambia’s attempts to regroup, the Simbas remained relentless. A sweeping counterattack from their own half led to a brilliant debutant performance by Paul ‘Boi’ Mutsami, who crossed the whitewash for an unconverted try, extending the lead to 19-0. Zambia fought back, with Lawrence Kaushiku slotting home two penalties to narrow the gap to 19-6 at halftime.
The second half saw Kaushiku adding another penalty, bringing Zambia within 10 points of the Simbas. However, Kubu, who was exceptional throughout the game, scored the Simbas’ third try, stretching the lead to 24-9. The resilient Zambians didn’t back down, with Kaushika converting another penalty, but it wasn’t enough to quell the Simbas’ dominance.
The Simbas closed the match in style, with hooker Teddy Akala crashing over from a lineout and skipper George Nyambua sealing the victory with the sixth and final try in the dying moments of the match. The fans erupted in joy as the Simbas celebrated their well-deserved triumph.
Looking ahead, the Simbas acknowledge the need for improvement, especially in reducing penalties at the breakdown and refining their attacking strategies. With this impressive start to the Victoria Cup, the team is poised for even greater success. Stay tuned as the Simbas prepare to face Uganda in what promises to be another exhilarating clash, as they continue their journey to rugby glory.
