KCB’s Darwin Mukidza opened up scores at the Impala Club after drilling penalty in the opening minutes of the clash. His team’s lead would be cancelled out by Paul Mutsami’s sheer agility. The flanker caught Davis Chenge unawares at the wing, fired on all chambers to scoring the first try of the match. Robin Kiplang’at converted successfully for a 7-3 lead. Mukidza would be on spot once more, drilling over his second penalty cutting Impala’s lead to only 1 point. Kiplang’at split the posts after KCB were caught off-side by referee Constant Cap. Centre Seje Owade would be sent to the sinner’s chair for dangerous tackle but would come back to break the KCB back-line and dive into the try box. Kiplang’at’s neatly polished boot converted for a 17-6 Impala lead. Mukidza booted over penalty in the dying minutes of the first half.
HT: Resolution Impala Saracens Gazelles 17-9 KCB Lions
KCB’s Peter Kilonzo went over at the corner flag after superb committing by Darwin Mukidza. Mukidza’s boot failed to convert. Peter Gichure later registered his name on the scorer’s sheet. Mukidza failed to convert this one but the Lions had managed to get 1 point ahead of the Gazelles.
It was expected that the visitors would maintain the lead but unconverted tries from winger Leon Adongo and a dust raiser – fan pleasuring try by Duncan Ekasi propelled the Sarries to leading 27-19. KCB winger Jacob Ojee scored in the dying minutes of the half but it was a case of too little too late. Mukidza missed the conversion.
Referee Constant Cap blew to end the match at 27-24 causing the Impala Club to erupt in celebration.
Impala’s win this weekend shakes up the top 3 in the Kenya Cup table standings. Homeboyz who have 59 points dethrone KCB from the top after their 36-26 win against Western Bulls. Kenya Harlequins settle for 2nd with 58 points after their 19-13 win over Kabras. KCB are third with 56 points after the 24-27 loss to Impala. Impala sit solid fourth with 51 points after the 27-24 win over KCB. Kabras sit fifth with 46 points and Nakuru dangle at 6th with 43 points.
It will be an interesting match to watch next weekend when the Sarries travel to Kakamega to face current league champions – Kabras Sugar. Impala will be seeking to avenge the 2015-16 Kenya Cup finals loss while Kabras will be seeking to solidify a comfortable league position in anticipation of the play-offs.
