Kenya Cup Final Set: Menengai Oilers Stun KCB, Kabras Sugar Reach 10th Final
Kakamega Showground witnessed Kabras Sugar's dominant performance as they secured their 10th straight Kenya Cup final appearance with a resounding 45-6 victory over Nondescripts. The sugar men's triumph extends their unbeaten run to three seasons, setting the stage to host the Kenya Cup final in Kakamega for the sixth consecutive year on April 12.
Jackson Sketta, the Kenya U20 full back, emerged as a key player, scoring a brace and contributing significantly to Kabras' commanding lead. Sketta initiated the scoring with an early try, capitalizing on a well-executed offload from Ntabeni Dukisa, giving the hosts a 5-0 advantage. Nondescripts responded with a penalty from Tony Fidens, narrowing the gap to 5-3.
Kabras quickly intensified their offensive efforts, with Sketta turning provider, assisting Griffins Chao on the left wing for a try, extending their lead to 10-3. Dukisa added to the score with a penalty, making it 13-3 before halftime. In the second half, Kabras continued to dominate, with Dukisa adding another penalty, followed by a try from Patrick Lumumba, extending the lead to 23-3. Dukisa further increased the score with another penalty, bringing it to 26-3 before Nondies managed another penalty of their own making it 26-6. Alfred Orege and Collins Indeche further solidified Kabras' lead, with Sketta completing the scoring, securing a final score of 45-6.
In another electrifying semi-final clash, Menengai Oilers stunned favorites KCB with a 31-8 victory at KCB Sports Club, Ruaraka. This win sets up a highly anticipated 'Rai Derby' against Kabras Sugar in the Kenya Cup final on April 12. The two teams are also scheduled to meet in the Enterprise Cup final the following week.
The Oilers started strong, with Nelson Makokha scoring off a maul, converted by Timothy Omela, giving them a 7-0 lead. Fortune Aturo further extended the lead to 14-0, capitalizing on the KCB defense. KCB responded with a try from Andy Cole Omollo, narrowing the gap to 14-5. However, Omela's two penalties extended the Oilers' lead to 20-5 by halftime. Omela continued his kicking dominance in the second half, adding two more penalties, increasing their lead to 26-5. Samwel Ovwamu sealed the victory with the last try, securing a 31-8 win for the Oilers and a place in the final.
The stage is now set for a thrilling Kenya Cup final between Kabras Sugar and Menengai Oilers, promising intense rivalry and high-stakes rugby action.