• Nondies, Kenya's most decorated rugby club, looked dead and buried with 15 minutes remaining as they trailed 20-12.
• Nondies have never been to the last four since the Kenya Cup adopted a playoff format in 2008.
Image: EMMANUEL SABUNI
Nondies coach Oliver Callum has hailed his team's mentality after stunning Quins 26-20 on Saturday to reach the Kenya Cup semifinals.
It was Nondies' second win in quick succession over their Ngong Road rivals after winning 20-13 on March 9.
Nondies, Kenya's most decorated rugby club, looked dead and buried with 15 minutes remaining as they trailed 20-12.
However, a sterling fightback saw them set up a semifinal showdown against champions Kabras at the Kakamega showground this weekend.
"Credit to the boys. We showed character. I thought the game was over at some point but the resilience is amazing. We celebrate the win now but should be back to training on Tuesday for the big game against Kabras," said Callum.
Nondies have undergone significant transformation since returning to the top tier this season.
"Our target was to qualify for the playoffs. We never thought we would be in the semis due to the nature of the league. We are delighted with the victory and want to thank our sponsors Hemmingways, Live Eye and chairman, Auka Gecheo, for their support.”
Nondies have never been to the last four since the Kenya Cup adopted a playoff format in 2008. They won the last of their record 17 Kenya Cup titles in 1998.
Nondies got off to a good start when fullback Dominic Osino touched down as Moses Nyaenya converted for a 7-0 lead.
The hosts replied with two penalties from Evan Asena and hit the front when Richel Wangila powered his way past the line with Asena converting for a 13-7 lead.
Quins suffered a blow when Zeden Marrow was sent off and Wangila was sin-binned for a high tackle forcing them to play with 13 men for a huge part of the game.
Meshack Tunechi then widened the lead for Quins with Asena converting for a 20-7 lead.
Fred Shiasi scored at the corner flag for Nondies to reduce the gap to 20-12. The drama was not over Charles 'Jamandass’ Omondi scored a try to bring Noadies to within a point at 20-19.
Skipper Steve Odhiambo touched down as Nyaenya added the extras to send the handful of Nodies' fans into ecstasy.
Menengai Oilers beat Blak Blad 26-12 to book a semis date with former champions KCB.