Shujaa stun defending champions South Africa to pick first win in Dubai

Patrick Odongo scores Kenya's third try against South Africa at Dubai Sevens. [Hassan Omar Wamwayi,X]

Kenya Sevens recovered from their close defeat to World champions France to stun Dubai Sevens defending champions South Africa 22-17 in a nail baiting second Group A match on Saturday.

Nygel Amaitsa last ditch try after the hooter saw Shujaa secure three massive points as they continue to push for a quarterfinal place in Dubai.

The Kelvin Wambua coached side lost 24-19 to France in their opening match in the extra time after playing out to a 19-19 draw in regular time.

Kenya took the lead two minutes into the match when a quick tap and go by Samwel Asati off a South Africa penalty found Kevin Wekesa unmarked on the right wing before the Kabras Sugar star finished off the offload with a simple touch down.

Shujaa conversion problems were evident again when Nygel Amaitsa missed the conversion as Kenya led 5-0.

While Shujaa struggled with their conversion, the kick offs were perfect as South Africa struggled to handle the ball.

Kenya regained possession from the knock on penalty by South Africa, a possession they used brilliantly when a kick and chase by Amaitsa saw Patrick Odongo display to the world his tremendous pace coming from the midfield to tap the ball inches before going out of play for Shujaa’s second try.

Amaitsa this time rectified his earlier mistake for a 12-0 lead.

Odongo retuned to haunt South Africa once again after leaving three defenders dead on the right wing to score a corner post try after displaying immense pace and strength.

With the conversion sailing wide, Shujaa took a shocking 17-0 lead to the break.

In the final half, the Dubai Sevens defending champions responded through Tristan Leyds who broke free for a center post try to cut the gap to 17-7 before Donavan Don set up the match for a boiling end when he scored near the corner to reduce the gap to five points with an unconverted try for 17-12.

Off a Kenyan mistake, South Africa came out on top after a scramble for a loose ball inside Shujaa’s try box saw Leyds ground his second try and fifth of the tournament.

Shocking, South Africa missed the conversion, handing Kenya a life line as the game tied 17-17 after the hooter.

With the last play of the game and a potential extra time, a kick and chase by Amaitsa saw the Strathmore Leos star race to score a contested try that handed Shujaa their first win in Dubai.

The win sees Kenya sit second in Group A with four points same as South Africa who despite beating Australia 17-0 in their opening match stay third after losing to Shujaa.

France lead the log with six points following their two wins against Kenya and Australia (14-10).

Kenya play Australia next at 7.22 pm.