KCB RFC is turning its attention to the Kenya Cup semi-finals after a narrow 25-21 defeat to Kabras in the Enterprise Cup semi-final at the ASK Showground in Kakamega.
The bankers will now prepare to face either Menengai Oilers or Nondescripts in the highly anticipated clash set for March 29, 2024.
Despite the loss, KCB RFC Head Coach Oliver Mang’eni expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, highlighting notable improvements.
“The boys have tremendously improved since our last outing here in the Kenya Cup. Our set pieces have been spot on but we are still lacking in the decision-making department," Mang'eni remarked.
"From the onset, we dominated the game and we should have won."
Read More
Mang'eni attributed their loss to their mistakes and noted that the team needed to put in more effort before thee resume action in the Kenya Cup semi-final,” Mang’eni remarked.
KCB started the match with confidence, taking an early 3-0 lead through a penalty conversion by Austin Sikutwa.
However, Kabras quickly responded as Griffin Chao sliced through the bankers’ defence to score a try, which was successfully converted by Ntabeni Dukisa, giving Kabras a 7-3 lead.
The contest remained intense as Andy Cole Omolo powered through Kabras’s defence to reclaim the lead for KCB. Levy Amunga added a drop goal, extending the advantage to 11-7.
But Kabras was quick to reply, with Chao securing his second try of the match, overturning the score to 12-11 in their favour. A well-executed drop goal by Cantona stretched Kabras’s lead to 15-11.
Moments before halftime, Kabras further asserted their dominance when Walter Okoth stormed over the try line. Dukisa’s precise conversion saw the Kakamega-based side go into the break with a 22-11 lead.
Sikutwa reignited KCB’s hopes with a penalty in the second half, only for Dukisa to respond with one of his own.
Omolo’s late try brought KCB within four points at 25-21, but time ran out before they could complete the comeback.
However, time was not on their side, and the bankers fell just short of completing a comeback.
With their Enterprise Cup journey concluded, KCB RFC now looks ahead to the Kenya Cup semi-finals, aiming to rectify their mistakes and mount a stronger challenge for silverware.