Kenya Sevens star in Munich with three wins
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| May 18, 2024
Kenya Sevens made a perfect start to their World Rugby Challenger Series final leg that kicked off on Saturday in Munich, Germany after seeing off Portugal, Chile and Japan during their preliminary Group C matches
Shujaa aim to secure a top-four finish in Munich, which would qualify them for the promotion playoff in Madrid at the end of May. This Challenger Series playoff will determine which teams will join the HSBC SVNS in 2025.
Shujaa secured a 28-12 win over Japan in their first match of the day where despite going 5-0 behind the Kevin Wambua charges rallied to win.
Shotaro Tsuoka gave the Asians a deserved lead after they camped in Kenya’s territory for the better part of the opening minutes of play before Kevin Wekesa responded for Shujaa who took a 7-5 lead after Anthony Omondi added the conversion.
However, after seven minutes, it was Japan who headed to the break ahead, taking a narrow 12-7 lead when Moeki Fukushi scored a converted try.
READ MORE
Boit, Misoi on a mission to help Kenya regain steeplechase grip
Kitengela Three freed after 30 days' ordeal in captivity
300 killed in a year of banditry attacks - report
Irony of killing manufacturing sector only to export farm labour to the UK
Paris 2024: Why Kenya's steeplechase future lies in 'Small Faith'
Paris 2024: Kibiwott knows that things will look up soon
Paris 2024: El Bakkali retains Olympic steeplechase title as Girma suffers worrying fall
Paris 2024: Kenyans seek to stop El Bakkali as they strive to reclaim 3000m steeplechase title
Paris 2024: Chepkoech sets stage for another showdown with Bahrain's Yavi
Ezekiel Kemboi: No short cuts in bid to reclaim men steeplechase gold
Menengai Oilers’ John Okoth came from the half time talk more aggressive as he restored Kenya’s lead to 14-12 after conversion.
Returning speed star Patrick Odongo announced he is back with the third try for 21-12 lead before Chrisant Ojwang came off the bench to seal the win for Shujaa.
In their second match, Shujaa humbled Portugal 33-5 before stunning Chile 17-12 in a tight match where Nygel Amaitsa, Vincent Onyala and Chrisant Ojwang netted for Kenya.
Kenya finished top of Group C and thus qualified for the quarterfinals where they will play hosts Germany on Sunday.