This archive report was first published on 3 August 2019.
On Saturday, August 3, 2019, Zimbabwe hosted Kenya Simbas at Hartfield Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, in a Victoria Cup match.
Defending champions Zimbabwe secured a narrow 30-29 victory over Kenya Simbas, marking their first win over the Simbas since 2015.
Monate Akuei scored two tries for Kenya Simbas, while Anthony Odhiambo, Elkeans Musonye, and Johnstone Mung'au added a try each. However, their efforts were not enough to secure a win.
Kenya Simbas had previously secured a see-saw result against Uganda, losing the first leg 16-13 before winning the second leg 15-5.
They also beat Zambia 43-23 the previous week.
Despite a strong start by Zimbabwe, who led 10-0 in the first 20 minutes, Kenya Simbas fought back with a try from Mung'au, which Monate converted.
However, Zimbabwe maintained their lead, landing a corner post try and converting it to strengthen their lead to 17-5.
Kenya Simbas continued to fight back, with Odhiambo scoring a try and Monate scoring another to tie the match 17-17 at halftime.
Kenya Simbas opened the second half with two tries from Musonye and Mung'au, but Zimbabwe managed to hold on to their lead, securing a 30-29 victory.
The Simbas will face Zimbabwe in the return leg on September 21, while the return leg against Zambia is on August 24 at the RFUEA Grounds.
