Debutants Kabras Sugar ended champions Top Fry Nakuru RFC’s hopes of lifting a third successive Kenya Cup title after upsetting the hosts 15-12 in the play-offs staged in a capacity-packed Athletic Club on Saturday.
Kabras will now meet three-time champions KCB in next weekend’s final at RFUEA Grounds after the Bankers eliminated resilient Strathmore Leos 24-21 in the other semi-final.
Post-Match Reaction ¶
Top Fry Nakuru RFC head coach Dominique Habimana suffered his first defeat at home in three years and said, "We did not use our chances well and we paid for it, the whole game was very tense but well done to Kabras I’m so impressed with their performance and we wish them all the best in the final."
Kabras player-coach Anthony Ogot expressed surprise at the win, stating, "It’s unbelievable! We didn’t expect this at the beginning of the season but we thank God for the win. It’s not easy to play both roles at the same time; I had faith in the players and they believed in me."
Match Details ¶
Nakuru had themselves to blame for squandering a number of chances in the first half despite breaking through after nine minutes through Dalmas Chituyi. They spurned a guilt-edged opportunity to extend the lead after Martin Muita missed a penalty before Kabras punished them at the stroke of halftime through Nick Baraza’s try.
In the early kick-off, KCB advanced to a second successive final after a hard-fought win against a strong Strathmore side. Jacob Ojee, Dawin Mukiza, Samuel Mutari, and Curtis Lilako scored for KCB while Mukiza converted a late penalty to hand the Bankers the crucial win.
KCB head coach Curtis Olago said, "The boys expressed character and I’m so proud of them. Strathmore came to the party; they gave us a hard push. Whoever comes we are ready to face them."
The recovered account cited reporting by Capital FM.
