The national men’s rugby 7s team secured a hard-fought victory over the United States to advance to the 9th place finals at the Hong Kong Sevens on Saturday morning.
Kevin Wekesa put Shujaa in the lead early, scoring the opening try in the second minute after breaking through the American defense. Nygel Amaitsa added the conversion to make it 7-0.
The United States responded just before halftime with a try from Ben Broselle, who broke the Kenyan defense.
However, Lucas Lacamp’s conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving the score at 7-5.
Kenya extended their lead in the second half when Vincent Onyala crossed the line in the 11th minute. Amaitsa’s conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the Kenyans led 12-5.
Patrick Odongo then showcased his blistering pace, weaving through the American backline to score Kenya’s third try.
The Americans managed to grab a late try in the dying seconds, with Broselle adding his second of the match, but it wasn’t enough, and the match ended with Kenya triumphing 17-10.
This victory was a much-needed redemption for Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua’s side, who had suffered a 14-7 defeat to France in their final Pool C match.
It was a case of “so near, yet so far” for Shujaa, who had also lost 12-7 to Great Britain earlier on Friday after an impressive 19-0 win over Spain in their opening match.
