Shujaa to renew rivalry with Uganda at Safari Sevens quarters

Shujaa star Patrick Odongo. [Courtesy,X]

Kenya's Shujaa and Uganda are set to reignite their long-standing rugby rivalry at the quarterfinals of the Safari Sevens tournament after two days of thrilling action at Machakos Stadium.

Shujaa, coming off a perfect run in the group stages, will face Uganda at 11:48 AM on Sunday in what promises to be a fiercely competitive clash as both teams vie for a spot in the semifinals.

Shujaa showcased their dominance from the onset, cruising through the first two days without a single defeat.

On Friday, they kicked off with a 24-14 triumph over Lions Rugby later in the day. The momentum carried into Day 2, where Shujaa overwhelmed Varsity Select with a 44-0 win, once again led by the brilliant Abukuse, alongside contributions from William Mwanji and Benson Salem.

Their final group match was a hard-fought 19-14 victory against Zimbabwe, cementing their place as one of the tournament’s top contenders.

Shujaa's defensive strength and fluid attacking play have made them a formidable force, with their ability to maintain consistency throughout the pool stages providing a significant boost ahead of their quarterfinal clash with Uganda.

Uganda, on the other hand, had a mixed start but grew stronger as the tournament progressed. They started Day 1 with a 7-10 loss to Kenya Harlequins, but quickly bounced back, defeating Red Wailers 19-14 in a gritty encounter.

On Day 2, Uganda narrowly lost 12-7 to Shogun Rugby but then rebounded with a crucial 14-0 victory over Kenya Morans, securing their quarterfinal spot.

The quarterfinal lineup for the men’s Cup competition includes several exciting matchups. Shogun Rugby, who have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, will face Varsity Select at 10:39 AM.

Shogun dominated their group matches, with convincing wins, including a 26-0 victory over Kenya Harlequins on Day 1 and a 12-7 triumph over Uganda on Day 2. Varsity Select will have their work cut out for them, as Shogun’s attacking prowess and well-organized defense will be hard to break down.

Zimbabwe, fresh off a 53-0 demolition of Qatar, will face Kenya Harlequins at 11:02 AM. Zimbabwe has been a strong contender throughout, with their pace and precision standing out.

Their match against Shujaa was one of the highlights of Day 2, though they fell just short, losing 19-14. Kenya Harlequins, who managed a 17-10 victory over Red Wailers, will look to upset the Cheetahs in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.

Kenya Morans, who endured a 19-19 draw against Shogun Rugby and a narrow loss to Red Wailers, will face Lions Rugby at 11:25 AM.

Morans showed flashes of brilliance during the group stages, but inconsistency cost them valuable points. They will need to be at their best against a Lions side that has shown strength, particularly in their 19-7 win over Varsity Select.

Safari Sevens Cup quarters

Sunday’s Fixtures

Shogun Rugby vs Varsity Select – 10:39

Zimbabwe vs Kenya Harlequins – 11:02

Kenya Morans vs Lions Rugby – 11:25

Kenya Shujaa vs Uganda – 11:48