Shujaa bow out of Hong Kong Sevens after loss to South Africa

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Apr 18, 2026
Shujaa center Dennis Abukuse in action against Australia at Hong Kong Sevens. [KRU]

Kenya Sevens are out of Hong Kong Sevens.

Shujaa exited the competition after losing 26-22 to South Africa in the Main Cup quarterfinals played on Saturday afternoon.

Shujaa had a poor start to the game when Samuel Asati stepped out of the field in an attempt to kick the ball downfield, resulting in South Africa being handed a scrum five meters from the try box.

Selvyn Davids capitalized on the advantage to score off the scrum for 7-0 lead after Tristan Leyds conversion.

Kenya went on two quick attacks after the restart and scored through John Okoth following a quick and chase by Nygel Amaitsa that resulted in a scrum that Kevin Wekesa won. Amaista failed to convert as Kenya trailed 7-5.

Shujaa won the restart again, this time Dennis Abukuse sprinting right through the Blitzboks' midfield to score between the sticks for a 12-7 lead with Amaitsa adding the twos.

However, Vincent Onyala was sent to the bin for a tackle on the air that saw Donavan Don punish Shujaa with a try at the stroke of half time to lead 14-12 after another Leyds conversion.

In the final half, Shujaa surprisingly won the restart despite the numerical disadvantage and went on to score at the corner through Wekesa to lead 17-14.

Another unconverted try by Festus Shiasi stretched Kenya’s lead to 22-14 before another poor restart saw South Africa score immediately to cut the gap to 21-22.

Shujaa’s hearts were broken after the hooter when Siviwe Soyizwapi came off the bench to score the winner for 26-22 win.

Kenya will now play in the seventh-place playoffs classification matches on Sunday.

Share this story
Under-20 talents to face off in battle for tickets to world event in Eugene
The World Under-20 Championships is set for August 5-9 in Eugene.
Over 2,500 players to battle it out in Duracoat Golf Masters Series
The Duracoat Golf Masters series 2026 will be played at 12 venues before the grand finale that will be staged at Mount Kipipiri at the end of the year. 
Sh11 B more to beat AFCON 2027 deadline
Kenya requires an additional Sh11.02 billion from the Exchequer to  complete key stadiums earmarked for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON),
Universities raise the bar in KUSF games
The just concluded Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) Nairobi North Conference League has once again revealed the growing competitiveness of university sports in Kenya.
Ronaldo, 41, leads Portugal into his sixth World Cup
Veteran Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo will lead his country into the 2026 World Cup this summer after coach Roberto Martinez named the 41-year-old in his squad on Tuesday.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS