All set for Elgon Cup return leg in Kisumu

It is all systems go as the much-anticipated return leg of the Elgon Cup is set to happen on Saturday, 11 November at the Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu.

The Elgon Cup is an annual rugby competition that takes place between the national rugby teams of Kenya and Uganda. This event consists of both men’s and women’s rugby matches, providing an exciting showdown between the two neighboring East African nations.

The cup serves as a symbol of rugby rivalry and sportsmanship between Kenya and Uganda, with matches played in a home-and-away format. It’s a highly anticipated event for rugby fans in the region, and it fosters a sense of unity and competition in the world of African rugby.

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It has been played since 2004, with the exception of 2005 due to the men’s Rugby World Cup qualifiers and 2020-2022 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted socio-economic activities globally.

On four occasions, 2010, 2011, 2019, and 2023, it has been part of the Victoria Cup, a regional tournament that also features Zambia and Zimbabwe.

There have been 28 previous men’s Elgon Cup matches and 18 women's matches. Out of the 28, Kenya has dominated with 14 wins, with Uganda following closely with 11 wins. They have shared spoils once.

In the women's category, the Lionesses have won a record 10 times, the Uganda Lady Cranes 7 times, and they have shared spoils once.

The fierce Lionesses emerged victorious against Uganda in their last meeting during the 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at Wankulukuku.

There will be only one leg of the women’s Elgon Cup because the Kenya squad had just returned from the WXV 3 tournament in Dubai where they successfully retained their slot for next year’s edition.

Simbas are the current holders of the Elgon Cup, having defended their title for all editions held since 2016. They have won the Elgon Cup a record twelve times while Uganda has won it just thrice. More worrying for Uganda is that the Rugby Cranes last lifted the Elgon Cup title in 2015.

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However, the last time Uganda visited Kisumu for the Elgon Cup, they beat Kenya by 16-13.

Uganda holds a slim one-point lead from the first leg that was played on Sunday during the Victoria Cup. The 21-20 margin is as good as having a fresh start in the competition.

The Simbas will be on the hunt for revenge when they welcome their East African neighbors in the lakeside city. Their last meeting at the King's Park Arena in Kampala on Sunday 5 ended in a narrow 21-20 loss to Uganda.

The match will be curtain raised with the Lake Victoria 15s preseason tournament before paving the way for the Kenya Lionesses vs Uganda Lady Cranes fixture.

Previous Elgon Cup Titles

Men

Kenya 12 titles (2004,2007,2008,2009,2010,2011,2013,2014,2016,2017,2018,2019

Uganda 3 (2006,2012,2015)

Women

Kenya 6 (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014,2015, 2019)

Uganda (2006,2008)

Squads

Kenya

15.Brian Wahinya, 14. Joel Inzuga, 13. Bryceson Adaka, 12. Paul Mutsami, 11. Derrick Ashiundu, 10. Jone Kubu, 9. Barry Young, 1. Ephraim Oduor, 2. Eugene Sifuna, 3. Hillary Mwanjilwa, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Hillary Odhiambo, 6. George Nyambua (Captain), 7. Elkeans Musonye, 8. Jeanson Misoga

Replacements 16. Teddy Akala, 17. Thomas Okidia, 18. Wilhite Mususi, 19. Brian Ndirangu, 20. Peter Waitere, 21. Dan Ang’wech, 22. Shem Okola (debut), 23. Andrew Matoka

Uganda

Starting: 1 Santos Senteza, 2 Faragi Odugo, 3 Asuman Mugerwa, 4 Robert Aziku, 5 Charles Uhuru, 6 Byron Oketayot, 7 Moses Zziwa, 8 Sydney Gongodyo. 9 Conrad Wanyama, 10 Ivan Magomu, 11 Alhaji Manano, 12 Innocent Gwokto, 13 Michael Wokorach, 14 Shakim Sembusi, 15 Timothy Kisiga.

Substitutes: 16 Nathan Bwambale, 17 Ivan Kabagambe, 18 Collins Kimbowa, 19 Julius Opio*, 20 Frank Kidega, 21 Liam Walker, 22 Joseph Aredo, 23 Nicholas Kato.

Order of play

Kabras RFC v MMUST Rugby 10 am

Kenya Lionesses v Uganda Lady Cranes 2 pm

Kenya Simbas v Uganda Cranes 4 pm

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