The match kicked off with a shockwave as the visiting UAE squad came out firing on all cylinders, notching two quick tries that left the home crowd stunned and the scoreboard flashing a daunting 14-0 lead. It felt like the Simbas were caught napping, the roar of the RFUEA momentarily silenced by the Middle Eastern onslaught.
But you can never count out the heart of a lion! The Simbas, spurred on by the passionate home support, began to claw their way back into the contest. The breakthrough came courtesy of Bethel Anami, who powered over the try line, with the ever-reliable Erick Cantona adding the crucial extras with a successful conversion. The scoreboard now read 14-7, a glimmer of hope igniting the stands.
However, the resilient UAE weren't about to relinquish their lead easily, responding with their third try to extend their advantage once more. But the Simbas had found their rhythm, their determination fueled by the setback. This time, it was the accurate boot of Erick Cantona who crossed the white chalk for Kenya's second try, showcasing his versatility and attacking prowess.
Just when it seemed the Simbas were gaining momentum, the Emiratis had the last say of the first half, slotting over a penalty to leave the score delicately poised at 24-14 in their favour as the whistle blew for the interval. Ten points down at halftime – the Simbas had a mountain to clim Kenya's national men's 15s team, affectionately known as the Simbas, just delivered a performance for the ages in a friendly showdown against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the hallowed RFUEA Grounds. This wasn't just a casual Saturday evening kickabout; it was a rollercoaster of emotions, a testament to the Simbas' fighting spirit, and a powerful statement of intent as they gear up for the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in June.
Whatever Coach Jerome Paarwater said in that dressing room at halftime clearly had the desired effect. The Simbas emerged for the second half with a fire in their bellies, unleashing a roaring performance that completely subdued the visitors. It was a rugby masterclass, a display of power, precision, and unwavering teamwork.
The comeback began with a quickfire double salvo of tries. Elkeans Musonye bulldozed his way over the line, with Timothy Omela adding the conversion to put the Simbas in the driving seat for the first time in the match! The RFUEA erupted, the roar of the crowd mirroring the ferocity of the Simbas' play. Moments later, Ibrahim Ayoo joined the try-scoring party, further cementing the Simbas' newfound dominance.
Kabras Sugar winger Griffith Chao then stepped up to showcase his kicking accuracy, converting a penalty to extend the Simbas' lead. The momentum was firmly with the home side, and they weren't about to let it slip.
The try-scoring frenzy continued, with Andycole Omollo getting his name on the scoresheet, thanks to a well-timed offload from his Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) teammate Tyson Maina. The Simbas were playing with confidence and flair, their attacking prowess leaving the UAE defense scrambling.
The icing on the cake came with a moment of brilliance from Shujaa co-captain Samuel Asati, who displayed a clean pair of heels with a blistering run before offloading the ball to Bryceson Adaka, who touched down for a try right between the posts. Timothy Omela stepped up once again, calmly slotting the conversion to seal a sensational comeback victory for the Simbas, the final score a resounding 54-24.
This epic turnaround wasn't just a friendly win; it was a powerful confidence booster for the Simbas as they now set their sights on the Rugby World Cup qualifiers in June. The team will head to South Africa for a crucial training camp, fine-tuning their skills and strategies ahead of the challenges that lie ahead. If this performance is anything to go by, the Simbas are ready to roar on the world stage!
