Rugby Africa Men's 7s: Morans finish sixth after loss to Burkina Faso

Kenya Morans will have themselves to blame after finishing the second leg of the 2024 Rugby Africa Men's 7s at sixth position. They also ended the first leg at a similar position.

The first half saw a tense back-and-forth with neither side managing to gain a significant advantage.

An early knock-on from Burkina Faso denied them a potential try after Kenya conceded possession.

The momentum briefly shifted when a Kenyan mispass nearly gifted Burkina Faso another scoring opportunity, but they were unable to control the loose ball at the try line.

A Burkina Faso player went down injured during the scramble, leading to a temporary stoppage in play.

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Following the restart, Burkina Faso orchestrated a series of breathtaking passes from a lineout, culminating in a well-deserved try by Victor Mola. However, the conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving the score at 5-0.

Burkina Faso continued their aggressive approach in the second half. They employed a strategic kick-and-chase tactic, forcing a turnover deep in Kenya's territory, which they swiftly converted into their second try.

This time, the conversion was successful, extending their lead to 12-0.

Kenya finally broke their scoreless streak with a try from Amon Wamalwa, converted by Abukuse.

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This brought them back into the game at 12-7. Yet, any hopes of a comeback were dashed soon after when a Kenyan handling error gave Burkina Faso another chance. They capitalized ruthlessly, weaving through Kenya's defense to score a spectacular try. The conversion was successful, putting the score at a decisive 19-7.

Despite a valiant effort, Kenya was unable to bridge the gap in the remaining minutes, handing Burkina Faso a well-deserved victory to see the match end 21-12.

Morans Squad in Mauritius:

Brian Mutua (CC), Ben Salem (CC), William Mwanji, Dennis Abukuse

Elvis Olukusi, Richard Liva, Gabriel Ayimba, Harmony Wamalwa, Festus Shiasi, Joel Inzuga, Victor Odhiambo, Edmund Anya

Head Coach: Louis Kisia, Team Manager: Morgan Ngumbi, Physio: John Elly

Morans run in Rugby Africa Men's 7s second leg

Morans 26-7 Zambia

Morans 40-0 Algeria

Morans 19-24 Madagascar

QF: Morans 7-10 Zimbabwe

Fifth-place playoff: Morans 29-5 Zambia

Fifth-place final Burkina Faso 21-12 Morans