Shujaa target Hong Kong quarters despite mixed results

Kenya's Kevin Wekesa (centre) in action against Spain at Hong Kong Sevens. [World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens must finish second or third in Group C to make it to the Hong Kong main cup quarterfinals.

This is after Shujaa blew hot and cold in their opening two matches played yesterday at the new Kai Tak Stadium.

Kelvin Wambua's outfit headed to Hong Kong seeking redemption after picking only a point at the Vancouver Sevens, a poor leg that left Kenya deep in the relegation mix.

A top-four finish is what Shujaa needs this weekend to stand a chance of at least catching up with Great Britain, who currently occupy the last safe position, eight with 32 points.

Kenya is ninth with 15 points, 17 points adrift, a huge mountain to climb but can be achievable with one more leg left before the season culminates at the Los Angeles Sevens with the relegation playoffs and the final championship event in May.

Yesterday, Kenya made an emphatic start to their Hong Kong Sevens campaign, securing a commanding 19-0 victory over Spain in their opening match.

However, a 12-7 defeat to Great Britain slowed down their Main Cup quarter-final dreams.

Shujaa sit second in Group C with four points following the mixed results and must edge France today to be sure of a place in the last eight.

France are bottom with two points following 12-7 defeat to Great Britain and 19-12 defeat to Spain. Great Britain are top and through to quarters with six points while Spain are third with three points.

Even though a third-place finish will still guarantee Kenya a place in the quarters, Shujaa cannot risk to lose to France since a defeat might knock them out of Spain edge out Great Britain.

In the first match, Shujaa led by co-captain Samwel Asati and George Ooro, showcased their attacking prowess, with both players registering a try each. Rising star Patrick Odongo also made his mark, scoring his 15th try of the HSBC SVNS debut season.

Kenya struck first after turning defence into attack when Odongo intercepted a Spanish offload deep in his own half. Using his explosive pace, he evaded two defenders to score an unconverted try, handing Shujaa a 5-0 lead within the opening three minutes.

Moments later, Kenya capitalised on a turnover that resulted in a lineout. Asati's throw found Kevin Wekesa, who powered forward before offloading to Nygel Amaitsa. A series of quick passes saw the ball returned to the center, where Ooro bulldozed his way through two defenders to cross the whitewash. Amaitsa added the extras, giving Kenya a 12-0 advantage at halftime.

The second half saw a tactical battle unfold, with both teams testing each other's defence.