Kenyatta Blak Blad shock Mwamba in Kenya Cup

Archadius Kwesa (left) of Blak Blad battles for the ball with Edwin Makori of Nakuru RFC during the Kenya cup match played at Nakuru Athletics Club in Nakuru on February 27, 2021. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad registered their first win of the season after stunning Mwamba RFC 24-17 in an early kick-off Kenya Cup round three match played at Impala Club on Saturday.

Archadius Khwesa converted three penalties and a try to inspire the university side to their maiden win having lost to Nakuru RFC in week one before coming from behind to share the spoils with Menengai Oilers last weekend.

Brian Kadenge’s unconverted try saw the students took the lead in the opening three minutes of the match after shrugging off his markers to touch down near the corner flag.

Kevin Wambua’s charges restored parity through Jeremy Chimwani diving over the try line for a five-pointer to level the scores.

Lionel Ekesa would then split the posts with his team’s second penalty after previously missing one to hand Blak Blad a narrow 8-5 lead at the breather.

Blak Blad compounded Mwamba’s woes with Archadius Khwesa converting Brian Wahinya’s early try after the restart.

Mwamba replied through Nicholas Kato’s try that was converted by substitute Charles Kuka.

[Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Khwesa was on hand to score two more penalties in succession as Blak Blad took a health 21-12 lead few minutes from time.

Khwesa would then take the match beyond Mwamba’s reach with another three pointer before Mwamba scored an unconverted try through Joel Inzuga to reduce the deficit.

Blak Blad held on to win 24-17, handing Mwamba their first defeat of the season.

Mwamba alongside Impala and Nondies made a return to the local league last week.

The three teams had said they were unable to adhere to Covid-19 protocols hence missing out on the first two rounds of matches.

Squads:

Mwamba RFC:1. Yuko Alfred 2. Yahya Hussein 3. Yuko James 4. Paul Opiyo 5. Ambrose Mbare 6. Mike Okello 7. Humphrey Claus 8. Tony Owuor (C) 9. Charles Chege (VC) 10. Brian Mwangi 11. Chimwani Jeremy 12. Joel Inzuga 13. Biko Masiva 14. Kato Nicholas 15. Brian Kivasia

Blak Blad:1. Humphrey Litali 2. Edwin Mutoka 3. Brian Kidake 4. Trevor Ayombe 5. Steve Ochieng 6. Lowell Mwanika 7. Dennis Opiyo 8. Sheldon Kahi (VC) 9. Brian Wahinya 10. Lionel Ekesa 11. Brian Kadenge 12. Ian Obukwa (C) 13. Arcadias Khwesa 14. Jared Ochieng 15. Marshall Mutai