Day 1 of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 is going to end on a high note.
The Rugby Cranes and Kenya Simbas are going to clash at 4pm, in a decider of who goes through to the semifinals of the tournament.
In the last 5 outings, the Rugby Cranes have only managed 1 win, coming out as victors in the battle of November 2023, but ultimately lost the Elgon Cup war that year and the year after.
This year, the Cranes started their preparations in February under the supervision of South African high performance consultant, Nollis Marais of the Blue Bulls. 45 men were summoned, 33 were picked, 28 were chosen and now the hopes of the nation lay on the 23 in the match day squad. Fahad Maido, Isaac Massangazira, Claude Ivan Otema and Blair Ayebazibwe will have the pleasure of making their senior debut for the Uganda Rugby 15s, while hooker Edward Emiemu who starts on the bench shall only be making his second appearance.
Almost similarly, the Simbas have 3 debutants in their match day squad. These rookies, who are all forwards, will run out for the first time for Kenya, alongside more experienced players like Captain George Nyambua and the experienced front row of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi.
Samuel Asati and Barry Young are starting as halfbacks, with the experienced Brian Wahinya entirely not in the squad. However, the Simbas boast of the Fiji born Jone Kubu at fullback.
Both teams camped in South Africa ahead of Rugby Africa Cup, and we are yet to see if this camp will pay off later today and for the next 2 weeks.
Kenya Simbas
Starting XV: Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua, Andycole Omolo, Thomas Okeyo, Patrick Sibatia, Bethuel Anami, Samuel Asati, Barry Young, Griffin Chao, Walter Okoth, Bryceson Adaka, Timothy Omela, Jone Kubu.
Substitutes: Teddy Akala, Edward Mwaura, Vincent Mwikhali, Hibrahim Ayoo, David Bunduki, Obat Kuke, Brian Tanga, John Okoth.
Uganda Rugby Cranes
Starting XV: Ssenteza Wyclif Santos, Bwambale Nathan Asiimwe, Maido Fahad, Opio Julius, Gongodyo Sidney Gyabi, Kidega Frank (VC), Oketayot Byron (C), Ogena Pius, Oforywoth Aaron, Jadwong Joseph Aredo, Kasito Adrian, Massanganzira Isaac, Munyani Ian Arnold, Otema Ivan Claude, Wokorach Philip.
Substitutes: Emiemu Edward, Ayebazibwe Blair, Kivumbi Saul, Emong Eliphaz, Aturinda Alex, Wandera Conrad Wanyama (VC), Walker Liam Christopher, Kisiga Timothy.