Kenya Simbas blow away UAE in high-scoring return to action

Kenya Simbas marked their return to the pitch in emphatic fashion with a 54-24 demolition of the United Arab Emirates in a high-scoring international friendly at the RFUEA Grounds on Saturday afternoon.

This was the Simbas’ first match since clinching the 2024 Elgon Cup against Uganda and served as a vital platform for the coaching staff to assess player depth ahead of a planned training camp in South Africa.

The hosts started brightly, applying early pressure and nearly breaking through in the 10th minute when Sheldon Kahi was held up just short of the line. However, it was the visitors who struck first - Justin Walsh capitalised on a poor clearance from Festus Shiasi to power over for a try, which he converted himself.

Walsh added a second shortly after, again converting to give UAE a 14-0 cushion before the half-hour mark.

In response, the Simbas made wholesale changes, swapping in an entirely new XV. Although Beldad Ogeta crossed the line soon after, the try was disallowed for a knock-on. Kenya eventually got on the scoreboard through Bethuel Anami, who barged over from close range, with Eric Cantona adding the extras to cut the deficit to 14-7.

But momentum shifted again when Patrick Sabatia was sin-binned for a high tackle. UAE took full advantage, exploiting a defensive lapse to extend their lead to 21-7. Only a last-ditch tackle from Derrick Ashihundu prevented further damage.

The Simbas responded with a brilliant counterattack from deep within their own 22. A surging run from Ovwamu set up Cantona for a try, which he converted to bring the score to 21-14. A late penalty gave UAE a 24-14 edge at halftime.

The second half belonged entirely to the hosts.

Elkeans Musonye touched down off a well-executed rolling maul, with Timothy Omela converting to narrow the gap to 24-21. Moments later, Samuel Asati combined with Ibrahim Ayoo to give Kenya the lead for the first time at 26-24.

UAE’s discipline faltered, resulting in a penalty try that stretched the lead to 31-24. Griffin Chao then finished off a sweeping move down the left, set up by Omela, for another converted try.

Kenya were in full control, and Tyson Juma’s clever chip-and-chase created space for Andycole Omollo to score, pushing the margin to 45-24. The game was sealed with a smart scrum play, as Asati broke from the base and set up Bryceson Adaka for a try under the posts, capping off a dominant 54-24 victory.

With the win, the Simbas turn their focus to finalising the squad for their upcoming South African training camp, where preparations for future competitions will intensify.

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