The Uganda Legends rugby team ended their long winless streak against Kenya Legends by securing a narrow 16-15 victory in a thrilling SportPesa Legends Cup match played at Mombasa Sports Club on Saturday.
The victory marked Uganda’s first-ever win in the annual competition between former rugby stars from Kenya and Uganda, bringing an end to a run of six consecutive defeats against their Kenyan counterparts.
Ivan Kirabo opened the scoring with an early penalty before Kenya responded through Darwin Mukidza to briefly take the lead. However, Uganda remained composed and regained control of the contest after Michael Walkerche scored a crucial try, which was successfully converted by Kirabo.
Kirabo later added another penalty to extend Uganda’s advantage, while Kenya found themselves under pressure for much of the match.
In the second half, the hosts mounted a strong comeback as Tony Owuor crossed the line for a try, with Mukidza adding the extra points. Kenya appeared to have completed the turnaround when they moved ahead 15-13.
With time running out, Kirabo calmly slotted a decisive penalty to restore Uganda’s lead, sealing a historic 16-15 victory that sparked jubilant celebrations among the players and their supporters.
Kenya Legends captain Eddie Omondi graciously acknowledged that Uganda were the better side on the day.
“First of all, congratulations to Uganda. I think they were the better team today. They came with great determination and executed their game plan perfectly. We struggled to settle into the match and conceded too many penalties, which ultimately cost us,” said Omondi.
Kenya Legends head coach Oscar Osir echoed those sentiments, admitting that his team failed to follow its game plan and committed costly errors.
“Uganda deserved the victory. We made far too many mistakes, especially in key attacking areas. When you make that many errors against a quality side, it becomes difficult to win. We must honestly assess ourselves and prepare much better for the return leg,” said Osir.
For Uganda, the triumph was especially significant after years of disappointment against their East African rivals.
The Uganda Legends captain described the win as the result of perseverance and belief.
“We lost all the previous matches, but every year the gap between the two teams kept narrowing. This victory means a great deal to us. It is proof that hard work pays off, and now we must prepare even harder because we know Kenya will come back stronger in Kampala,” he said.
Uganda’s coach praised his players for their discipline and commitment, singling out Ivan Kirabo as the standout performer of the match.
“We studied Kenya carefully and came here with a specific game plan. The players executed it brilliantly. This victory is not only for us but also for the next generation watching these legends. It sends a message that with proper preparation and self-belief, anything is possible,” he said.
The SportPesa Legends Cup brings together former international rugby stars from Kenya and Uganda to celebrate the rich history of rugby in East Africa while promoting healthy living, friendship, and community engagement.
SportPesa Chief Marketing Operations Officer Esther Kang’ethe said the tournament continues to provide an important platform for retired players to remain involved in the sport while inspiring the next generation of rugby talent.
Attention now turns to the return leg scheduled for July 4, 2026, in Kampala, Uganda. With only a single point separating the two teams, Kenya Legends will be determined to restore pride on foreign soil, while Uganda will aim to complete a historic overall victory in front of their home fans.
