Uganda defeat Kenya Simba to claim 2023 Victoria Cup

A 21-20 defeat to Uganda saw the men’s national rugby 15s side Kenya Simbas miss out on the 2023 Victoria Cup as they trail by one point heading into the Elgon Cup return leg in Kisumu City on Saturday 11 November 2023.

The Simbas had a dream start to this fixture, Teddy Akala’s unconverted try from the rolling maul putting them 0-5 up after five minutes of play.

More Simbas pressure and excellent play from their backs saw Jone Kubu play in Joel Inzuga for another five pointer, Kubu converting to see the Simbas lead 0-12 after ten minutes of play.

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And then the tide turned, serial indiscipline from the Simbas met by the accuracy of Ivan Magomu’s right foot, two penalties and a conversion from a try putting Uganda 13-12 up at the break.

The second half remained an arm wrestle, the Simbas let off the hook from two missed Magomu penalties before Kubu drilled home a penalty to see the Simbas retake the lead, 13-15 on fifty six minutes.

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A second Uganda try saw them go 18-15 up before Inzuga landed his brace, the Simbas leading 18-20 until Liam Walker’s penalty at the death won the game and regional bragging rights for Uganda who clinched the 2023 Victoria Cup with a 21-20 win.

The result ensured that Kenya Simbas’ drought in the Victoria Cup extended to thirteen years having last won the competition in 2010.

The Simbas will now hope to revenge their narrow defeat when they face Uganda Cranes in the return clash set for 11 November in Kisumu where the Elgon Cup will be decided.

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Simbas Results and Fixtures

Wednesday 1 November 2023

Kenya 36-12 Zambia | Kyadondo, Kampala

Sunday 5 November 2023

Kenya 20-21 Uganda | King’s Park Kampala

Saturday 11 November 2023

Kenya vs Uganda | Kisumu