Kenyatta University’s Blak Blad were brought back to earth following their 6-22 defeat against Menengai Oilers in the semifinals of the Impala Floodlit 2024 tournament played on Saturday at the Impala Grounds.
Having stunned defending champions KCB 9-8 in the quarterfinals last weekend, the varsity side was in confident mood to upset another big gun when they came up against Oilers who had beaten Strathmore Leos 24-8 last weekend.
Blad started buoyantly with Kelvin Gathu slotting a penalty to give them a 0-3 lead. However, their advantage was shortlived as Oilers restored parity when Abutwalib Wesonga also drilled in a penalty.
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Celestine Mboi’s converted try then ensured Oilers surged to a 10-3 lead which was cut down to 10-6 by the halftime break when Daniel Oyoo nailed his drop goal attempt.
Two more tries in the second half, both from Clinton Odhiambo, would get the job done for Oilers as Wesonga missed one conversion attempt while Dennis Abukuse nailed the other to ensure the Nakuru-based side sealed the 22-6 victory.
In the first semi, Impala continued their fine run under new head coach Louis ‘Fadhee’ Kisia as they beat rivals Nondies 9-6 in a closely contested encounter.
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In the game that was only decided via the boot, Impala came out on top to reach their first final since 2018.
Both sides went into the halftime break with the scores tied at 6-6 after trading two penalty conversions each.
The second half only witnessed three points being scored and it went Impala’s way following a successful conversion from Quinto Ongo.
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Menengai Oilers vs Blad squads
Blak Blad squad
1.Austin Adero, 2. Antony Amayi, 3. Brian Kidake, 4. Dennis Opiyo, 5. Steve Odhiambo, 6. Lowell Mwanika, 7. Obat Kuke, 8. Randy Wamah, 9. Jenkins Kipruto, 10. Daniel Oyoo, 11. Shuaib Wesonga, 12. Benjamin Rugar, 13. Jared Odhiambo, 14. Archadius Khwesa, 15. Kelvin Gathu.
Replacements: 16. Brian Shile, 17. Dessaily Wafula, 18. Collins Obure, 19. Bryceson Ogamba, 20. Ian Obukwa, 21. Derrick Masese, 22. Enock Oduor, 23. Elvis Otete.
1. Destrious Ifedha, 2. Celestine Mboi, 3. Vincent Mwikhali, 4. Hibrahim Ayoo, 5. Charles Osgood, 6. Nelson Makokha, 7. Clinton Odhiambo, 8. Samuel Were, 9. Samson Onsomu, 10. Abutwalib Wesonga, 11. Timothy Okwemba, 12. Samuel Ovwamu, 13. Chrispin Shitundo, 14. Denis Abukuse, 15. Samuel Mwaura,
16. Fortune Arturo, 17. Byron Cornel, 18. Victor Were, 19. Amos Obae, 20. Elkeans Musonye, 21. Andrew Odero, 22. Stephen Arunga, 23. Lucky Onyango.
Floodies 2024 Matchweek 2 Results
Oilers 22-6 Blak Blad
Impala 9-6 Nondies
Leos 25-20 Mwamba
KCB 68-6 Monks
Impala Roans 13-7 Northern Suburbs
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