Kenyans grab lead in Victoria Cup against Uganda

Kenya’s national golf team took an early 3-1 lead against Uganda in this year’s Victoria Cup, which teed off Thursday morning with the foursomes at the par-72 Mt Kipipiri Golf Resort in Nyandarua County.

Elvis Muigua and junior player Krish Beiju Shah delivered a stellar performance, securing a narrow 3-2 victory against Uganda’s newcomers Abdalla Kakooza and Anthony Otukei.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s long hitter Daniel Kiragu, partnering with Josphat Rono, comfortably defeated John Musimenta and Abdul Kaketo with a 5-3 margin.

In a closely contested encounter, Kenya’s Rafael Leming’ani and Ebill Omollo battled Uganda’s team captain Joseph Cwinyaai and 18-year-old Ibrahim Semakula.

The two sides exchanged leads before the Kenyans pulled ahead on the 13th hole, eventually sealing a 2-1 victory.

However, Kenya’s captain John Lejirmah and Nandi Bears Club’s Elly Barno suffered a heavy 7-6 defeat to Uganda’s Joseph Reagan Akena and Peter Mayende.

Despite the setback, Kenya maintained a commanding 3-1 advantage heading into the afternoon’s four-ball better-ball round.

Kenya, which has dominated the two-nation tournament since 2016, is aiming for a sixth title.

In the afternoon four-ball better-ball matches, Kenya’s team captain John Lejirmah partnered with Daniel Kiragu to face Uganda’s John Musimenta and Joseph Reagan Akena.

Josphat Rono and Rafael Leming’ani were set to take on Abdalla Kakooza and Titus Okwang, while Elvis Muigua and junior Kevin Anyien were drawn against Uganda’s Joseph Cwinyaai and Abdul Kaketo.

The final match featured Kenya’s all-junior pair, Tsevi Soni and Krish Beiju Shah, against Uganda’s Elton Thembo and Ibrahim Semakula.

The tournament continues Friday with another round of morning foursomes followed by afternoon four-ball better-ball matches, before concluding with the singles on Saturday afternoon.