Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, kicked off their campaign at the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens with contrasting results in their first two matches. The team showcased their resilience and determination, but now faces a pivotal fixture that could define their tournament journey.
Match 1: Dominant Victory Over Spain
Shujaa began their tournament with an emphatic 19-0 win against Spain. Patrick Odongo set the tone early with a blistering try in the third minute, followed by George Ooro’s powerful effort, which was converted by Nygel Amaitsa to secure a 12-0 lead at halftime. Samuel Asati added the finishing touch with a second-half try, sealing Kenya’s commanding victory.
Match 2: Narrow Loss to Great Britain
In their second match, Shujaa faced Great Britain in a tightly contested game. Despite Odongo’s early try, which Amaitsa converted for a 7-0 lead, Great Britain leveled the score by halftime and edged ahead in the second half to claim a 12-7 victory. The loss dropped Kenya to second place in Pool C, with four points, trailing Great Britain, who lead with six.
Next Fixture: Must-Win Against France
Shujaa’s final pool match is against France on Saturday at 5:16 AM East Africa Time. This game is crucial for Kenya’s hopes of advancing to the main cup quarterfinals for the first time this season. A win would guarantee their progression, while a loss could see them miss out on the knockout stages.
Implications of the Result
Victory against France would not only secure Shujaa’s place in the quarterfinals but also boost their confidence and momentum for the remainder of the tournament. However, a loss would mean an early exit and a missed opportunity to redeem themselves after a challenging season. The stakes are high, and Shujaa will need to bring their A-game to keep their Hong Kong 7s campaign alive.
