All-Kenyan final beckons as Shujaa, Morans storm Safari 7s final

Kenya Shujaa and Kenya Morans will contest an all-Kenyan final at the 28th edition of the Safari Sevens after recording commanding victories in their respective semi-finals on Sunday.

Defending champions Shujaa booked their place in the final with a ruthless 36-0 demolition of Shogun, while the Morans overcame the same opponents’ earlier challenge to secure a 31-10 victory and set up a Kenyan showdown for the title.

Shujaa laid the foundation for their victory in a dominant first half, with Strathmore Leos captain Gabriel Ayimba showcasing his stepping brilliance to score twice. Nigel Amaitsa converted the opening try to give Shujaa an early advantage.

Strong defensive work forced a turnover, with KCB’s Elvis Olukusi producing good hold-up play before a scrum launched by CC Asari set up Ayimba for his second try.

Kabras RFC’s Rayvon Ambale then capitalised on a knock-on advantage to sprint over the try line, with Amaitsa adding the extras to hand Shujaa a commanding 19-0 half-time lead.

In the second half, Brian Mutua’s powerful carry created an opening for Amaitsa to release potential tournament top points scorer Victor Mola, who crossed the line to extend the lead to 24-0.

Mutua was subsequently sent to the sin bin for a dangerous shoulder-first tackle without using his arms. However, Shujaa continued to dominate as tournament debutant Glacious Owino, of Menengai Oilers, evaded three French Renegades players to score brilliantly and add the conversion.

Substitute Festus Shiasi added another try to complete the 36-0 whitewash and send Shujaa into the final.

Meanwhile, the Kenya Morans overcame Shogun 31-10 in their semi-final, with Kabras RFC’s Mathias Osimbo and Daystar Falcons’ Clinton Amukwachi among the standout performers.

Osimbo’s brilliant run created the opening try, with Michael Lukusi adding the conversion before Amukwachi crossed on the right flank to extend the Morans’ lead to 12-0.

Shogun capitalised on a defensive lapse near the red zone to pull one back, but Lukusi’s quick restart caught their defence off guard, allowing Amukwachi to power over for his second try.

Lukusi converted to make it 19-5 at half-time. Osimbo then grabbed his second try before Amukwachi assisted co-captain Dennis Ndayala to extend the advantage to 31-5. Shogun managed a consolation try to make it 31-10.

The two Kenyan sides had earlier booked their semi-final places with dominant quarter-final performances, as Shujaa thrashed Wonder 7s 54-5 while the Morans defeated SportPesa Fast Forward 7s.

The stage is now set for an all-Kenyan showdown, with Shujaa seeking to defend their crown against a determined Morans side in one of the tournament’s most anticipated finals.