Edmonton 7s: Kenya inch closer to maiden Series title after beating Germany

Kenya overcame a stubborn Germany side, hanging on for a 24-17 win as the Germans turned on the style in the second half but the win assures Shujaa a semifinal spot where they once again come up against Blitzboks.

Germany found themselves in unfamiliar territory with this being their first-ever Cup quarter-final while Shujaa were contesting for their 58th last eight in the HSBC World Sevens Series.

The inexperience from Germany reared in the opening minute as Shujaa turned over possession and switch pass from Nelson Oyoo to Jeffrey Olouch who was sparingly used on day one resulted in the first try of the game.

With the wind in their sails, Kenya wasted no time to grab the second try as that man again Oluoch had a pick and go catching Germany off guard as they thought Shujaa would mount a ruck.

Alvin Otieno who has been a revelation in this edition of the World Series got his name on the try-scorers list getting on the end of a brilliant passing move to slot the ball into the corner as Shujaa went into the break with a 19-0 lead.

Germany were off the blocks in the second half, winning a Kenyan scrum as Carlos Soteras touched down to hand them a route back into the game.

Alvin Otieno who fends off defenders for fun was at it again as he breezed past two defenders to race to the try line and hand Kenya a comfortable 24-7 lead.

The lead was however whittled down by Tim Lichtenberg who channelled the inner Alvin Otieno in him, brushing aside a number of Kenyans before touching down. 

Phil Szczesny set up a nail-biting finale with a try a minute later but Shujaa held on for the win just when Germany thought they had won a line out but the referee whistled for full-time.

Kenya will now face South Africa in the semi-finals slated for a 10:42 PM kickoff.