It's Kabras versus Impala in Kenya Cup final

Kabras Sugar's Steve Ochieng (second right) charges forward during their Kenya Cup Rugby League semi-final match against Kenya Harlequin at RFUEA grounds on April 30, 2016. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Stage set for explosive final next Saturday
  • Traditional powerhouse Quins and defending champs KCB fall in tough semi-final matches played under difficult conditions
  • Ollows said they approached the two halves differently against KCB.

Last year’s losing finalists Kabras Sugar will face former 10-time champions Impala Saracens in the 2015-2016 Kenya Cup final next Saturday at the RFUEA grounds.

Winger Brian Tanga touched down a brace of tries as Kabras Sugar, who put a solid defensive performance, survived a second half late rally to edge out Kenya Harlequins 19-15 in a tight semi-final at a soggy RFUEA grounds.

Inside centre Nick Baraza scored Kabra Sugar’s other try as outside centre Fabian Olando made two conversions to guide Kabras to their second Kenya Cup semi-finals in their third season at this level.

Two quick tries by substitute forward Vincent Ong’era and outside centre David Ambunya in the last five minute failed to rescue Quins. Lyle Asiligwa converted a penalty while fullback Kevin Keegan drilled over one  conversion.

At the adjacent Impala Sports Club grounds, hosts Impala also braved a second half assault to bundle out defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) 8-7.

Winger Ian Mijire’s try in the first half and fullback George Okoa’s penalty in the second half are what spurred Impala Saracens to the final. Impala are chasing their 11th Kenya Cup title, having won the diadem last in 2009.

Fullback Darwin Mukidza converted hooker Peter Karia’s try in the second half but that could not save KCB Lions from the jaws of defeat as they relinquished the title. The Kabras and Impala final will definitely produce fireworks.

MOUTHWATERING FINAL

The two teams outwitted each other during the regular league, Impala  winning the first leg 31-17 in Nairobi before Kabras Sugar claimed just revenge 25-13 in Kakamega.

“We came here to win and that is exactly what we have achieved,” said Kabras Sugar deputy coach Anthony Ogot, who also played at second-row.

“Our defence together with strong scrummaging and set-pieces saw us through.”

“It will be a mouth-watering final and we are looking forward to it,” said Impala director of coaching Fred Ollows. “A team that wants to win the final must have a mean defence with players ready to put their bodies on line.”

Ollows said they approached the two halves differently against KCB. “We dominated possession to keep the ball in the first half before defending well with good kicking the the last session,” said Ollows.

Asiligwa gave Quins the lead from a penalty before Tanga picked the ball off the scrum to sneak in a try before Olando converted to take a 7-3 lead at the break.