Shujaa face Spain in must-win match after poor Dubai 7s start

Shujaa needs to beat Spain to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarters alive. [Courtesy]

Kenya Sevens will play Spain at 4pm in a must-win match after a poor start to the  2022 World 7s Series season at the Dubai Sevens on Friday.

Shujaa suffered their second defeat at the opening Dubai Sevens leg after going down to Argentina 22-17 in the afternoon match played at the Sevens Stadium.

Kenya had earlier lost to USA 14-7 in their opening Group B fixture played in the morning and needed a win to remain in contention of the Main Cup.

However, it was Argentina who emerged victorious, beating Shujaa to move to six points and qualified for the quarters. Argentina had earlier thrashed Spain 28-7.

Kenya will now need to beat Spain in the 4:02 PM kick-off to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarters alive.

Group B is still wide open with Spain defeating USA 12-7. A Kenyan win over Spain and a USA loss at the hands of Argentina might see qualify for the quarters tomorrow.

Shujaa’s early prodding counted for nothing and they were made to pay, Luciano Gonzalez breaking clear on the counter to score an unconverted try for a 5-0 Argentina lead.

Gonzalez landed his brace, played in by Santiago Alvarez who split open the Kenyan defense. Santiago Vera Feld converted for a 12-0 lead with two of the opening seven to play.

Alvin Otieno grasped Herman Humwa’s one-handed pass, pinned his head back to sprint 30 meters for Kenya’s response a minute to halftime.

Levy Amunga got a second try for Shujaa, his deft footwork opening up the Argentine defense. He scored and converted to tie up the scores at the break.

Jeff Oluoch gave Shujaa the lead after the restart, racing clear after receiving Humwa’s offload to touch down for a 17-12 lead.

German Schulz grounded in the left corner to draw Argentina level with a minute to play.

Shujaa played the final moments of this tie with six men after Otieno was yellow carded, Alvarez scoring at the death to hand Argentina the result.