Defending champions Kabras Sugar kept their dream of hosting the Kenya Cup final alive after a hard-fought 20-14 victory over arch-rivals Menengai Oilers in a tense Rai Derby encounter.
The win ensured the sugar men remained in contention for top spot in the league standings, setting up a thrilling final round of the regular season next weekend, where the team that finishes first will earn the right to host the championship decider.
Heading into the match, Kabras trailed league leaders KCB by a single point, knowing that any kind of win would be enough to keep them in the race. However, Oilers, playing in front of their home fans, proved to be a formidable challenge.
The hosts started on the front foot, with Samwel Mwaura crossing over for an unconverted try to give Oilers a 5-0 lead. Timothy Omela then added a penalty to stretch the advantage to 8-0.
Kabras responded through South African playmaker Ntabeni Dukisa, who slotted in a penalty to cut the deficit to 8-5. The visitors then found their rhythm as Kenya Sevens scrum-half Brian Tanga, fresh from international duty at the Vancouver Sevens, made an instant impact with a brilliant try.
Dukisa added the extras, handing Kabras a 10-8 lead. However, Oilers hit back, with Omela reclaiming the lead through another penalty to make it 11-10 before stretching the gap further to 14-10 with his third successful kick.
Dukisa ensured Kabras stayed within touching distance by responding with a penalty just before halftime, leaving the visitors trailing by a single point at the break.
The second half saw Kabras take control, with their experience and composure proving crucial. It was Dukisa once again who delivered the decisive blow, crossing over for a crucial try before converting his own effort to give the sugar men a 20-14 lead.
Despite Oilers’ best efforts, Kabras held firm, defending resolutely to close out a crucial victory.
While the win kept Kabras in the hunt, KCB ensured they maintained their position at the top of the table with a ruthless 64-9 demolition of Impala RFC in Nairobi.
The bankers ran riot, scoring at will to maintain their two-point cushion over Kabras heading into the final round.
KCB head coach Oliver Mang’eni was pleased with his side’s dominant display but emphasized the need to remain focused for the bigger challenges ahead.
Elsewhere, Nondies secured a 50-29 win over South Coast Pirates, while Nakuru edged Mwamba 32-27. Blak Blad prevailed 39-31 against Strathmore Leos, and Kenya Harlequin saw off Kisumu RFC 36-22.
With just one round left in the regular season, all eyes will now be on the battle for top spot as Kabras and KCB prepare for a thrilling finish, with the right to host the Kenya Cup final hanging in the balance.
Kenya Cup Results
Menengai Oilers 14 Kabras Sugar 20
KCB 64, Impala RFC 14
Nondies 50, South Coast Pirates 29
Nakuru 32, Mwamba 27
Blak Blad 39 Leos 31
Quins 36 Kisumu 22
