Odongo stars as Shujaa kick off promotion and relegation playoffs with win over Samoa

Kenya Shujaa's Patrick Odongo. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Sevens made a perfect start to the HSBC SVNS Series promotion and relegation playoffs after withstanding hard hitting Samoa to win 19-12 in their opening Group B match played on Friday at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.

Patrick Odongo scored two tries and made a last minute tackle to lead Kenya to victory ahead of Sunday’s winner takes it all finals.

The Kevin Wambua charges are currently playing for position in Group B which also has hosts Spain and Chile. After the group matches, Kenya will then face off with an opponent from Group A in the winner takes it all finale on Sunday.

Group A has USA, Uruguay, Canada and Germany. According to the schedules, the top ranked team in Group A will play the bottom ranked team in Group B while the second Ranked team in Group A face off against the third ranked team in Group B and vice versa.

Shujaa captain Vincent Onyala got the match underway in Kenya’s favor after intercepting a Samoan pass deep into their own territory before sprinting down to score a center post try that Anthony Omondi converted for a 7-0 lead.

Moments later, Samwel Asati won possession back after overturning a Samoan rack, winning possession before a quick tap and go released Kevin Wekesa who offloaded to Patrick Odongo for an easy right corner post try as Kenya took a 12-0 lead after missed conversion.

However, Samoa recovered to score two quick tries that shocking tied the game at 12-12 at half time.

Stunned by Samoa’s recovery, Shujaa came out more aggressive in the final half and Odongo took matters into his own hands after picking the ball from the center and chagrining towards the defense where he shrugged off two tackles before breaking free for a diving center post try.

Omondi added the conversion as Kenya led 19-12 with four minutes left on the clock.

Shujaa would however play risky in the final two minutes when Asati was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle, a penalty that left Kenya to defend with six men.

And just like he led on the offensive attack, Odongo came in handy at the last minute when he made a final minute tackle to stop a last gasp Samoan attack before the opponents handling problems gifted Kenya the win.

Shujaa will face off against hosts Spain from 10.18pm tonight.