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
How Kenya is now positioning itself as top sports destination
Zimbabwe cabinet agrees plan to extend president's term to 2030
EACC goes after Kaberia, Mwendwa over Sh330m in CHAN stadium scam
Relief as government plans tax cuts for low-income earners
Why Turkey climate summit must bring hope to agriculture sector
Infantino condemns Senegal for 'unacceptable scenes' in AFCON final
New regulations will unlock untapped potential of solar water heating
Why Africa should step up efforts to reduce methane emissions
Government lists 14 areas in Narok County as security-disturbed, dangerous
Ruto's Sh5 trillion promise: Path to economic freedom or political stunt?
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.