Osuna’s last-minute try gives KOBs semifinal advantage against Jinja Hippos

Mark Osuna delivered a five-pointer on the last play of the game to help KOBs claim a 25-22 win over Jinja Hippos at Dam Waters in the first leg of the playoff semifinals.

It was not only the second win for KOBs at Dam Waters this season but also a second consecutive game in which they have won a game on the final play of the game having edged Buffaloes through Joseph Aredo’s penalty conversion at Legends in the quarterfinals.

Hippos were in control for majority of the opening half. They go on the scoreboard inside two minutes with Yasin Wasswa converting off the tee.

Josiah Ssempeke missed the penalty in response and barely six minutes later, the Hippos extended their lead through full back Bruno Kisule. 

Two more penalties for Wasswa with Ssempeke’s in between had the hosts leading 14-03 at the break.

After recess, the KOBs went on the offensive straight away and were rewarded with a try from Andrew Odiambo near the posts after a few phases of play in the Hippos red zone. Ssempeke easily convert to bring the score to 14-10.

The Hippos, however, made an instant reply with winger John Echeru finding some room to dive at the corner after some expansive play from the hosts.

Ssempeke would later trim the deficit to two points (18-16) with a couple of penalties and it was game on in the final fifteen minutes.

While Hippos played a largely clean and high line of defense, they were not particularly disciplined and KOBs put it under a lot of pressure that led to Odiambo’s second try of the game at the corner to bring the game to 19-18 with barely five minutes to play.

With about two minutes to play, Wasswa extended Hippos lead to 4 points with a sublime drop goal which meant KOBs needed a five pointer for the win.

KOBs who trailed throughout the game recieved the restart and went straight into attack put together a number of phases before Osuna dived over for the winner on the last play.

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