Kenya's Shujaa down South Africa to secure Olympic qualification

Matthews Mutai
By Matthews Mutai September 17, 2023 07:19 (EAT)
Kenya's Shujaa down South Africa to secure Olympic qualification

PA via Reuters Kenya’s Nelson Oyoo is tackled by Canada’s David Richard (right) during game 7 of the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series at Twickenham Stadium, London on Saturday May 20, 2023. (PHOTO/Reuters)

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The national rugby sevens team will compete at the Olympics for the third straight time after securing qualification on Sunday.

The Shujaa needed to win the Rugby Africa Cup to qualify and the did so against worthy opposition, stunning South Africa's Blitzboks 17-12 in the final.

They had to come from behind to claim that victory having trailed 12-7 at half time with John Okoth sinking coming up with the decisive try to lift Kenya and break the South African hearts.

Blitzboks can still qualify by winning the Olympic repechage where the 12th and final Paris 2024 slot will be on offer.

Shujaa had defeated hosts Zimbabwe 35-10 in the semis early Sunday with South Africa victorious against Uganda (26-14) in the other semi.

Shujaa finished ninth at the previous Olympic edition in Tokyo. They were 11th at Rio 2016.

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