By Timothy Kiptoo
Kenya Simbas produced a dazzling second-half performance to smash the United Arab Emirates 54-24 in a friendly played on Saturday evening at the RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.
The test match served as a key build-up fixture for the Simbas as they intensify preparations ahead of the 2025 Rugby Africa Cup. While the first half painted a picture of rust and missed chances, the second half told a completely different story of power, precision, and purpose.
Despite dominating territory in the opening 40 minutes, the Simbas trailed 14-0 at halftime. The visitors made the most of their few chances, scoring two well-taken tries and defending resolutely to frustrate the hosts. But the script flipped dramatically after the break.
Bethel Anami sparked the comeback with a try under the posts, which Eric Cantona converted to make it 7-14. UAE briefly extended their lead to 21-7 with a try of their own, but Kenya’s response was rapid and ruthless.
Menengai Oilers pair Destrious Ifedha and Samwel Ovwamu combined brilliantly to set up Cantona for his second try, which he converted again to reduce the margin to 14-21. Though UAE slotted a penalty for 24-14, the momentum was shifting.
Elkeans Musonye bulldozed over from a rolling maul, and Timothy Omela’s successful conversion brought the score to 21-24. Then came the turning point—Ibrahim Ayoo crossed the whitewash to hand the Simbas the lead for the first time.
Moments later, relentless Kenyan pressure forced a penalty try, with UAE reduced to 14 men. At 33-24, the Simbas hit top gear.
Griffin Chao lit up the game with a stunning solo effort, Omela converted, and Andy Cole Omolo followed up with a clinical finish. Samwel Alsatian's dazzling footwork then set up Bryson Adaka for the final try, with Omela again on target to seal a commanding 54-24 victory.
The result was a major morale booster for head coach Jerome Paarwater’s charges, who are steadily shaping into a well-balanced and dangerous outfit ahead of their continental campaign.
