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HSBC World Championship: Shujaa fall to Australia in extra-time thriller in Valladolid
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 29.05.26. | 13:57
Shujaa will now turn their attention to their second pool fixture against South Africa, scheduled for 6:08 pm East African Time
Kenya Sevens, Shujaa, suffered a heartbreaking 15-10 defeat to Australia in their opening match of the second leg of the HSBC World Championship in Valladolid, Spain, on Friday, 29 May.
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The Kenyans put up a spirited performance and pushed the Australians all the way to extra time before eventually falling short in a tightly contested encounter.
The result also meant Australia maintained its dominance over Shujaa after defeating them in the opening leg in Hong Kong.
Australia drew first blood in the second minute after capitalizing on a lineout deep inside Kenya’s half.
The ball was moved swiftly across the field before Henry Hutchison beat Patrick Odongo on the outside to score the opening try.
The conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 5-0.
Shujaa responded with intensity, using their physicality to force their way back into the contest.
Nygel Amaitsa produced a clever kick to relieve pressure, and Odongo chased it down brilliantly before grounding the ball for Kenya’s first try.
The conversion sailed wide, allowing Australia to retain a narrow lead.
The Australians continued to enjoy much of the possession, but Kenya’s defense remained resolute, disrupting their attacking rhythm.
However, Australia eventually found a breakthrough when Roache crossed over for their second try. Once again, the conversion missed the target as Australia headed into the break with a 10-5 advantage.
Kenya returned for the second half with renewed energy and purpose. Following an Australian infringement, Shujaa earned a scrum inside the opposition’s territory.
Samuel Asati caught the defense napping and darted through for a well-taken try that levelled the scores at 10-10 after another missed conversion.
Shujaa continued to pile pressure on Australia and came agonizingly close to taking the lead. From a scrum, the ball found its way to Dennis Abukuse, but strong Australian defense prevented him from grounding the ball over the whitewash.
As the clock wound down, both teams battled fiercely for control. After the hooter sounded, Kenya forced a crucial turnover and looked set to snatch victory.
However, a knock-on ended the attack, and the referee signaled full time with the scores locked at 10-10, sending the match into extra time.
Kenya carried their momentum into the additional period, but Australia struck the decisive blow when Roache broke through and sprinted clear to score the winning try, sealing a 15-10 victory for the Aussies.
Shujaa will now turn their attention to their second pool fixture against South Africa, scheduled for 6:08 pm East African Time.