HSBC World Championship: Kenya Sevens fall to France to settle for eighth place
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 31.05.26. | 15:35
Heading into the classification match, Kenya knew that another top-seven finish would provide a timely boost ahead of the final phase of the season
Shujaa concluded their HSBC SVNS World Championship campaign in Valladolid, Spain, with an eighth-place finish after suffering a 14-5 defeat to France on Sunday, 31 May at the Estadio José Zorrilla.
The result marked a reversal of fortunes for Shujaa against the French side, having beaten them 21-7 in Hong Kong earlier in the season to secure seventh place.
Download our Mozzart Sport App for more news
Heading into the classification match, Kenya knew that another top-seven finish would provide a timely boost ahead of the final phase of the season.
However, despite enjoying periods of possession, Kevin Wambua’s charges struggled to turn their chances into points.
France made a bright start and opened the scoring through Enahemo Artaud, who raced down the left wing to touch down for the game’s first try.
Artaud struck again in the seventh minute, finishing off another attack to stretch France’s lead and put Kenya under pressure.
Shujaa responded through John Okoth, who crossed over in the corner to cut the deficit and keep the East Africans within touching distance heading into the break.
The second half proved a frustrating affair for Kenya as France’s defence held firm against repeated attacks.
.jpg)
Shujaa searched for a way back into the contest but were unable to find the breakthrough score that would have reignited their comeback hopes.
Their task became even more difficult late in the match when Victor Odhiambo Mola was shown a yellow card, reducing Kenya to six men for the closing stages.
Despite enjoying a numerical advantage, France were unable to add to their tally but comfortably protected their lead to secure seventh place, leaving Kenya to settle for eighth position.
The Valladolid tournament brings an end to another competitive outing for Shujaa, who will now shift their focus to the crucial next leg in France.
The tournament will play a significant role in determining whether Kenya retains its place among the HSBC SVNS top-tier teams next season.