Kenya Simbas lose Victoria Cup to archrivals Uganda

Kenya Simbas full back Jone Kubu (center) in ation against Uganda.[Uganda Rugby Union]

Uganda are the 2023 Victoria Cup champions.

Uganda came from behind trailing 12-0 to stun Kenya Simbas 21-20 in a closely contested final staged at the King's Park Arena in Bweyogerere, Uganda on Sunday.

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

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

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, 15-13 on fifty six minutes.

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