It’s do-or-die for Kenya today
Dominique Habimana has called for a clinical finish from his charges as the team seeks to overturn a seven-point difference against Uganda in the return leg match of the Elgon Cup at the RFUEA grounds. PHOTO/CHRIS OMOLLO
What you need to know:
- Utility back Eden Agero will start at scrum half and his flamboyance at the scrum half and fly half positions should be felt, given his experience with the Kenya Sevens. Agero was in the 2012 squad that lost 19-17 on aggregate to the Ugandans.
- Cranes have focused on improving their kicking which denied the team nine points that would have given Uganda an even bigger advantage to reclaim the trophy they surrendered last year.
Kenya “A” coach Dominique Habimana has called for a clinical finish from his charges as the team seeks to overturn a seven-point difference against Uganda in the return leg match of the Elgon Cup at the RFUEA grounds.
Habimana, who has made several changes, said he is confident his side that lost to Cranes 14-21 in the first leg at the Kyadondo grounds in Kampala last weekend will overturn the deficit and retain the title.
“The match in Uganda was our first game. We didn’t have any build-up match before and all our weak and strong points came out,” Habimana said. “Our finishing wasn’t clinical after we squandered five tries coupled with three knock-ons in the try box.”
Utility back Eden Agero will start at scrum half and his flamboyance at the scrum half and fly half positions should be felt, given his experience with the Kenya Sevens. Agero was in the 2012 squad that lost 19-17 on aggregate to the Ugandans.
He replaces George Mutuku in the starting line-up that has Brian Sagara thrown at back-row with Philip Owuor coming in at second-row. Nato Simiyu takes over from Jacob Ojee at full back.
MATCH DAY SQUAD
Isaiah Nyariki, Victor Brown and Rocky Aguko all make the match day squad and will start from the bench in a team that is skippered by Edwin Makori. “We have looked at the Cranes defence and that is why we shall have varied options in attack,” said Habimana.
Cranes have focused on improving their kicking which denied the team nine points that would have given Uganda an even bigger advantage to reclaim the trophy they surrendered last year.
In the absence of Jasper Ochen who is with the national sevens team at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Bishop Onen, Kevin Makmot and Chris Lubanga who have played in the position must improve their kicking if the chances of Uganda reclaiming the Elgon Cup are to stay alive.
Makmot and Onen were both at fault as Uganda failed to convert the four penalties won during the match that would have given Uganda 16-7 half-time lead.
Meanwhile, inspirational centre Philadelphia Olando returns to the Lionesses starting line-up for their clash against Uganda’s Lady Cranes.
Olando, who did not travel to Kampala for last weekend’s 33-15 win over the defending champions, will team up with Celestine Masinde in midfield as they seek to lead the Kenya to a first Elgon Cup title since 2012.
