HSBC SVNS 2: Kenya Sevens fight back to stun Germany as Lionesses again fall short

Kenya’s national rugby sevens sides endured contrasting fortunes on day one of the HSBC SVNS Division 2, with Shujaa mounting a spirited comeback to defeat Germany while the Lionesses narrowly fell to South Africa on Saturday, 14 February at the Nyayo National Stadium.

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Shujaa wrapped up their day on a high, edging Germany 15-10 in a tightly contested clash that required extra time to separate the two sides.

The result came in front of a packed stadium atmosphere, with organisers confirming that more than 10,000 tickets had been scanned by midday.

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Shujaa rally past Germany

Shujaa’s encounter with Germany began cautiously, with neither side scoring in the opening minutes. Germany eventually broke through, capitalising on a well-worked move between their centre and winger to score the opening try.

They soon doubled their advantage with another unconverted effort, leaving Kenya trailing 10-0 at halftime.

Kenya returned from the break with renewed intensity. Nygel Amaitsa ignited the comeback, finishing off a strong attack to score and reduce the deficit, though the conversion was missed.

Moments later, Patrick Odongo pounced on a defensive lapse to grab Kenya’s second try; his fourth of the tournament to level matters at 10-10.

Germany pressed for a late winner, but Kenya’s defense held firm, forcing a hold-up that sent the match into extra time.

The decisive moment came when Germany conceded an infringement, and Festus Shiasi made them pay by powering past his marker to score the winning try, sparking wild celebrations among the home supporters.

Shujaa will look to maintain their momentum when they take on Uruguay on Sunday.

Lionesses fall just short

The Lionesses stepped onto the pitch determined to bounce back, having previously suffered a 33-0 loss to South Africa at the Africa Women’s Sevens finals and a narrow 15-12 defeat to China earlier in the day.

South Africa struck first, crossing for a converted try less than a minute into the match. Kenya responded almost immediately when Sheila Chajira, after briefly receiving treatment, sliced through the defense to score the hosts’ opening try. The conversion attempt, however, went astray.

HSBC SVNS 2: Shujaa, Lionesses off to brilliant starts

Kenya continued to push forward, but infringements hampered their progress. Despite showing hunger and aggression without possession, they conceded again when South Africa added a second try, though the conversion missed, leaving the score at 12-5.

In the second half, the Lionesses looked more composed and assertive in attack. A handling error by Sinaida Nyachio stalled momentum briefly, but Edith Nariaka carved out space before offloading to Moreen Muritu, who touched down for Kenya’s second try.

Once again, the conversion attempt proved costly, and South Africa kicked the ball out to end the contest 12-10.

Simon Odongo’s charges will seek redemption when they face Argentina on Sunday, 15 February at 11:44 am.