Debutant Ojwang saves Shujaa in opening match against Portugal

Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa's debutant Chrissant Ojwang of Nakuru RFC scored the saving try for Shujaa in their pool match opener played on Friday 8 March in Montevideo, Uruguay.

Shujaa saw off Portugal 19-12 in the closely contested match.

The side headed to the tournament as favorites, having won the opening leg of the Challenger Series that was held in Dubai. They topped the log with 20 points, maintaining a two-point lead over Chile.

The team clinched the Challenger Series opener by defeating Chile 12-5 in the final at the Sevens Stadium, with Patrick Odongo’s crucial two tries playing a pivotal role.

They were also out to avenge their sisters; Lionesses who lost 12-0 to Hong Kong in their opening match.

They started on a low note, with Portugal fighting tooth and nail to go past the determined Kevin Wambua's charges.

It was Kabras RFC's Kevin Wekesa who first registered his name on the scoresheet with a try that put the Shujaa ahead. Co-captain Tony Omondi added the extras to see Shujaa lead by seven points.

Lionesses suffer defeat to Hong Kong in Montevideo opener

Those were the only points scored by Shujaa in the opening half. Their opponents managed two tries and converted one to see the scores rise to 12-7 at half time.

Shujaa came in guns blazing in the final half, this time nailing their opponents to their (Portugal) half. The Portugese men succumbed to pressure, failing to score a try in th final half.

Shujaa went on score two tries thanks to Tony Omondi and Ojwang, leading to cheers from the handful of Kenyan fans in the venue.

They will be keen to extend their winning streak when they tackle Georgia on Saturday, 8 at 1:48pm.

They will then lock horns with Tonga at 8:46 pm in their final pool match.

Following that, depending on their performance, the team will proceed to the next level of competition.

Shujaa squad in Montevideo: Vincent Onyala, Tony Omondi, Kevin Wekesa, John Okoth, Dennis Abukuse, George Ooro, Nygel Amaitsa, Samuel Asati, Ben Salem, Chrissant Ojwang, Lamec Ambetsa, Elvis Olukusi

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