Kisumu arrest South Coast Pirates to pick first Kenya Cup win

Kisumu RFC players duirng a warm up session. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Kisumu RFC celebrated a landmark victory at Mamboleo Stadium in Kisumu on Saturday after defeating South Coast Pirates 38-9 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.

The match also honored the late Fidel Odinga, Kisumu's former chairman, as part of the Obange Cup.

Kisumu RFC players duirng a training session. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Pirates started brightly, with former Kabras Sugar star Kelly Akengo slotting two early penalties for a 6-0 lead.

However, Kisumu found their rhythm, with Victor Otieno finishing a well-worked move for their first try, though the conversion was missed.

Kisumu RFC in action against South Coast Pirates. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Pirates briefly regained the lead through Akengo's drop goal, but Kisumu's relentless maul play allowed Felix Omondi to score just before halftime. David Williams added the conversion to give Kisumu a 12-9 edge at the break.

In the second half, Kisumu pulled away, buoyed by impactful substitutions. Walter Mikanga kicked two penalties to stretch the lead before Darrell Omondi, on loan from Kabras RFC, marked his debut with a try.

Kisumu RFC in action against South Coast Pirates. [Washington Onyango,Standard]

Gibson Perez added the bonus-point try after patient build-up play, and Dennis Makanji capitalized on a charge-down to extend the lead further. Former Koyonzo High School standout Branton Lusisa capped off the victory with a debut try, sealing the emphatic 38-9 win.

Saturday's Kenya Cup Results

KCB 77-22 Mwamba

Kabras Sugar 45-5 Strathmore Leos

Kenya Harlequin 48-12 Impala RFC

Nondies 23-3 Blak Blad

Menengai Oilers 32-12 Nakuru RFC

Kisumu RFC 38-9 South Coast Pirates