Ssempeke’s late heroics lift KOBs past Pirates in thriller

__________________

Nile Special Rugby Premiership

KOBs 30 Pirates 28

________

Josiah Ssempeke’s late drop goal proved decisive as KOBs edged Pirates 30-28, handing them their first loss of the season at Legends.

Ssempeke, who has consistently delivered in tight encounters against Pirates, showcased his impact with a well-timed final kick.

"As a kicker, these are the moments we practice for. Those defining moments in a game. Last-minute drop goals, penalties, tries, and conversions, we train for these over and over. I thank God it was a last-minute kick," Ssempeke said after the game.

At halftime, Pirates appeared to be in full control, having built a commanding 22-6 lead with three tries from Sydney Gongodyo, Jeremiah Okello, and Timothy Kisiga. William Nkore’s flawless kicking further widened the gap. However, KOBs, led by Joseph Aredo, mounted a spirited second-half comeback.

Aredo, who had scored KOBs’ only first-half points with a penalty, set the tone after the break with an early try. Stuart Mwayi followed suit, bulldozing through defenders to add KOBs’ second try of the game.

With momentum on their side, KOBs continued to claw back, eventually taking a 27-25 lead after another penalty. Pirates responded with a penalty from Ivan Magomu, setting up a tense finale. When Magomu missed another penalty attempt, KOBs seized the moment, keeping up the pressure before sealing the win with a dramatic drop goal.

"In games like this against Pirates, you take what you can. It was definitely a pulsating match, and given the mental preparation I had instilled in the players, I knew they would get the job done," said KOBs coach Timothy Mudoola.