Shujaa's losing streak persists in Dubai 7s
Kenya Shujaa's Timothy Mmasi (left) brushes off Nigeria Stallions' Samuel Akpabio during their Safari 7's Rugby tournament match at Nyayo National Stadium on on October 30, 2021.
What you need to know:
- Shujaa succumbed at the death to a try from speedster Perry Baker just seconds after Alvin Marube’s converted try had put his side 21-19 up with an easy try after Captain Nelson Oyoo put him through
- Coach Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu’s men enjoyed a 14-7 half-time lead thanks to a well-worked try from Billy Odhiambo after some excellent passing with Oyoo on six minutes
- This result means Shujaa have suffered five consecutive losses in Dubai, stretching back to last weekend’s 19-5 quarter-final defeat at the hands of Fiji
Kenya Sevens' hopes of reaching Main Cup quarter-final at Dubai Sevens II dimmed after throwing away the lead twice in a 24-21 loss to USA in their second Group “B” match on Friday.
Shujaa succumbed at the death to a try from speedster Perry Baker just seconds after Alvin Marube’s converted try had put his side 21-19 up with an easy try after Captain Nelson Oyoo put him through.
The Americans started off brightly, with the opening try coming in the second minute after Kevon Williams side-stepped several tackles from Kenya to cross the whitewash under the sticks. Captain Stephen Tomasin made the twos for 7-0.
Shujaa then benefitted from a Carlin Isles sin-bin late in the first half to level the scores 7-7 through Herman Humwa’s try converted by Anthony Omondi.
Coach Innocent “Namcos” Simiyu’s men enjoyed a 14-7 half-time lead thanks to a well-worked try from Billy Odhiambo after some excellent passing with Oyoo on six minutes.
Williams reduced the gap with a try converted by Tomasin who landed on 12 minutes to give Mike Friday’s side a 19-14 lead following his successful conversion.
Marube, who had not scored a try in his first 13 matches with Shujaa, finally got his name on the list of scorers after touching down just under the upright with less than 20 seconds left on the clock. Johnstone Olindi successfully converted the try for a 21-19 lead.
However, Kenya’s dream for a first win in three matches against the Americans were shattered when the defence was torn apart by Baker. This result means Shujaa have suffered five consecutive losses in Dubai, stretching back to last weekend’s 19-5 quarter-final defeat at the hands of Fiji.
Kenya depended on finishing as the second third best team in Dubai Sevens I to reach the quarter-final in the 12-nation competition.
USA and Australia have already qualified for the last eight from Kenya’s pool. The East Africans, who must defeat Canada at 4.46pm convincingly and hope results from other groups go their way to book a quarter-final ticket, are currently placed third with two points, same as bottom-placed Canada who have an inferior points difference.
Day One results so far:
Pool A
Great Britain 24-21 Ireland
South Africa 48-0 Japan
Pool B
Australia 21-14 Kenya
USA 38-14 Canada
Australia 24-17 Canada
Kenya 21-24 USA
Pool C
Fiji 17-22 France
Argentina 21-14 Spain
Fiji 19-33 Spain
Argentina 21-14 France
