Kenya Simbas Obliterate UAE Rugby to Keep Rugby Africa Cup Preparations on Track

Kenya Simbas came from behind to brush aside UAE Rugby at the RFUEA Grounds to keep their Rugby Africa tournament preparations on the right path ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Kenya Simbas brushed aside United Arab Emirates Rugby 54-24 in a friendly match held at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday afternoon, keeping their Rugby Africa Cup preparations on course.

Head coach Jerome Paarwater used the match to give his 50-man squad valuable playing time, as he prepares to trim it down to 33 players who will participate in test matches in South Africa. The 90-minute game was split into three 30-minute thirds, with different lineups deployed in each period.

First Third

UAE dominated the opening 30 minutes, taking control early and racing to a 14-0 lead. Their intensity and organization silenced the home crowd, as Kenya struggled to find a foothold in the game. The Simbas' first-string side failed to mount meaningful attacks and were on the back foot for most of the period.

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Second Third

Minutes later, the Simbas nearly scored again after a slick switch to the right wing, but Alfred Orege was unable to control the final pass. 

Eventually, Bethuel Anami powered over the try line and Eric Cantony converted to cut the deficit to 14-7. However, a lapse in concentration allowed UAE to respond with a try and a penalty, extending their lead to 24-14 heading into the second break.

Final Third

It was in the final third that Kenya turned on the style. Andy Cole Omollo scored a try to bring the Simbas back into the game, and a second try quickly followed, giving Kenya the lead for the first time. 

Energized by home fans chanting "Ruto Must Go!" and "One Term!", the Simbas pressed on. Although Tyson Maina had a try disallowed due to an infringement, Kenya continued to dominate. 

Griffin Chao added a third successfully converted try, before Omollo crossed again to make it 47-24. UAE looked disoriented and unable to cope, and Samuel Asati capped off the afternoon with a final converted try, sealing a 54-24 victory.

How Simbas Lined Up

First Third Lineup

Edward Mwaura, 2. Celestine Mboi, 3. Vincent Mwikali, 4. Brian Juma, 5. Elvis Olukusi, 6. William Mwanji, 7. Kevin Wekesa, 8. Sheldon Kahi, 9. Brian Tanga, 10. Brian Wahinya, 11. Festus Shiasi, 12. John Okoth, 13. Vincent Onyala, 14. Austine Sikutwa, 15. Isaac Njoroge.

Second Third Lineup

Boisterous Ifedha, 2. Teddy Akala, 3. Wilhite Mususi, 4. Charles Omondi, 5. Emmanuel Silungi, 6. Collins Indeche, 7. Patrick Sabatia, 8. Bethuel Anami, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Erick Cantony, 11. Beldad Ogeta, 12. Samuel Ovwamu, 13. Charles Odhiambo, 14. Alfred Orege, 15. Derrick Ashihundu.

Final Third Lineup

Eugene Sifuna, 2. Griffin Musila, 3. Ephraim Oduor, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Andy Cole Omollo, 6. George Nyambua, 7. Obat Kuke, 8. Elekans Musonye, 9. Samuel Asati, 10. Barry Young, 11. Griffin Chao, 12. Paul Mutsami, 13. Bryson Adaka, 14. Tyson Maina, 15. Timothy Omela.