Kenya Sevens star in Munich with three wins

Kenya Sevens scrum half Brian Tanga (center) in action against Chile. [World Rugby]

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.

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.