Clash of the Titans: Rugby Cranes and Kenya Simbas Set to Renew Rivalry in Day 1 of Rugby Africa Cup

The highly anticipated Day 1 of the Rugby Africa Cup 2025 promises a nail-biting conclusion, as the Rugby Cranes and Kenya Simbas prepare to lock horns at 4pm. This highly competitive match will decide which team advances to the semifinals of the tournament.

In the last five encounters, the Rugby Cranes have managed to secure just one victory, beating their Kenyan counterparts in November 2023. However, they ultimately lost the Elgon Cup that year and the following one. This year, the Ugandan team started its preparations under the guidance of South African high-performance consultant, Nollis Marais of the Blue Bulls, in February. A squad of 45 players was called, 33 were selected, 28 were chosen, and now the fate of the nation rests on the 23-man squad that will take the field. Fahad Maido, Isaac Massangazira, Claude Ivan Otema, and Blair Ayebazibwe will make their senior debut for the Uganda Rugby 15s, while Edward Emiemu, who starts on the bench for his second appearance, will also be making history.

The Simbas, on the other hand, have three debutants in their starting lineup. These newcomers, all forwards, will make their first appearance for Kenya alongside more seasoned players like Captain George Nyambua and the experienced front row of Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, and Wilhite Mususi. Samuel Asati and Barry Young will start as halfbacks, with Brian Wahinya missing out on the squad. However, the Simbas can count on Fiji-born Jone Kubu at fullback.

Both teams have been training in South Africa ahead of the Rugby Africa Cup, and today's match, as well as the next two weeks, will reveal whether this training camp will pay off. With Kenya Simbas and Uganda Rugby Cranes ready to face off, the stage is set for an unforgettable day of rugby.

Kenya Simbas Starting XV:
Ephraim Oduor, Eugene Sifuna, Wilhite Mususi, George Nyambua (C), 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.