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Shujaa narrowly fall to SA to finish 10th at Hong Kong 7s

Jacob Icia By Jacob Icia Published on: March 30, 2025 10:55 (EAT)
Shujaa narrowly fall to SA to finish 10th at Hong Kong 7s

Kenya 7s forward Patrick Odongo dashes to score a try during their 9th place playoff against South Africa at the Hong Kong 7s on March 30, 2025. South Africa won 19-17. Photo courtesy of KRU.

Kenya 7s men’s team Shujaa fell short in a closely contested clash against South Africa, losing 19-17 to finish 10th at the Hong Kong Sevens held at Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday.

Shujaa failed to make it to the main cup quarters after falling narrowly to both Great Britain and France, despite an inspiring start, beating Spain 19-0 in the pool matches.

The Kevin ‘Bling’  Wambua coached Shujaa went into the match buoyed by recent dominance over South Africa, having beaten them in the 2023 Africa Men’s 7s to qualify for the 2024 Olympics and securing another victory in Dubai (22-17).

South Africa took the lead in the opening minute, through Shilton van Wyk, before youthful Gino Cupido extended the lead to 12-0.

Nygel Amaitsa reduced the deficit with a converted try after being set up by Samuel Asati, making it 12-7.

Amaitsa scored again to tie the game at 12-12 just before halftime. It was Shujaa who would extend the advantage early in the second half when Patrick Odongo scored from Jone Kubu's clever pass – making it 17-12.

It looked as if Kenya was going to win it, but South Africa fought back, with Siviwe Soyizwapi scoring a  try which was successfully converted by Dewald Human, grabbing the lead again.

Shujaa will now look to improve in the Singapore 7s, slated for next weekend.

Tags:

Spain Kenya Shujaa South Africa Hong Kong Sevens Kevin 'Bling' Wambua Samuel Asati Nygel Amaitsa Kai Tak Stadium Shilton van Wyk Gino Cupido

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