HSBC SVNS 2: Shujaa’s impressive run continues as Lionesses fall again
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 15.02.26. | 14:12
The Kenyan boys will face the USA in the final pool match slated for 5:02 pm
Kenya’s national Sevens side, Shujaa, maintained their fine run of form at the HSBC SVNS 2 after seeing off Uruguay 17–7 in an entertaining clash played on Sunday, 15 February at the Nyayo National Stadium.
The Lionesses, however, endured another setback, narrowly falling 5–0 to Argentina.
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Shujaa came into day two riding high on confidence after a flawless outing on Saturday.
They opened their campaign with a 29–12 victory over Canada, before overpowering Belgium 33–12 and wrapped up the day with a hard-fought 15–10 win over Germany that was decided in extra time.
They picked up right where they left off against Uruguay, in a match that began at a frantic pace with both sides battling intensely for possession.
Shujaa threatened early, working their way into the green zone, but the move fizzled out when Patrick Odongo was tackled on the wing and lost the ball.
Undeterred, the Kenyans continued to apply pressure, with the forwards, including Kevin Wekesa, putting in the hard work to regain control.
Their persistence paid off when John Okoth sliced through Uruguay’s defense to score his first try of the tournament, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Shujaa maintained their intensity but had to settle for a slender lead heading into halftime.
The Kevin Wambua-coached side returned for the second half with renewed fire, tightening their defense and shutting down Uruguay’s attempts to break through.
Their dominance was rewarded in the closing minutes when captain George Ooro powered past defenders to score another try. A successful conversion by Samuel Asati stretched the lead to 17–0.
Uruguay managed a late consolation as Joaquin Cat crossed over just before the final whistle, with Juan Manuel Tafernaberry adding the extras, but it was too little too late as Shujaa sealed a 17–7 victory.
Up next, Shujaa will face the USA in the final pool match slated for 5:02 pm.
Meanwhile, the Lionesses continued to struggle for consistency.
After recording a single win against Brazil, they suffered defeats to China and South Africa before facing Argentina.
Despite putting up a spirited fight, they fell 5–0 to the South Americans.
Argentina struck early, breaching Kenya’s defence in the second minute through Marianela Escalante.
The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, but the early try proved decisive as the Lionesses were unable to respond.
The Lionesses will be looking for their second win of the tournament when they face Spain at 3:56 pm.