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T. NashipaeSafari 7s: Shujaa defend title after outclassing Samurai in thrilling final
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 19.11.23. | 18:02
To reach the final stage, Shujaa had saw off SA All Stars 36-0 before securing wins 33-5, 17-5, 34-7 over Tropic 7s, Uganda Cranes, and Red Wailors respectively.
Africa Men's 7s champions Shujaa dismantled Samurai Barracudas 19-0 to clinch the Safari Sevens title at the RFUEA Grounds on Sunday.
The event attracted hundreds of fans who cheered along their teams; with Kenyan and Ugandan fans carrying the day.
This year's edition was also graced by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Ababu Namwamba, and Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Victory saw Shujaa defend the title they last won in 2021 following a 12-5 win over Germany at the Nyayo National Stadium.
To reach the final stage, Shujaa had saw off SA All Stars 36-0 before securing wins 33-5, 17-5, 34-7 over Tropic 7s, Uganda Cranes, and Red Wailors respectively.
At the semifinal stage, the resilient Kenya 7s defeated Germany 19-5 to book a date with Samurai in the finals.
Samurai on the other hand had narrowly defeated Uganda Cranes 21-19 to proceed to this stage.
The opening half was closely contested with both teams fighting tooth and nail to emerge the champions.
Strathmore Leos' Nygel Amaitsa started off on a high but was forced to touch by Noegh Hayward.
Following that, Shujaa dealt with the fast-paced Barracudas well, and there was a good contest at the breakdown before Patrick Odongo picked the ball from the loose, racing all the way to score under the posts.
Co-captain Ronnie Omondi added the extras to see Kenya take an early 7-0.
Amaitsa and John Okoth would try to go add more points on the board, but it was impossible under the close watch of a defensive Hayward who forced them into touch. Half-time scores 7-0.
Kenya 7s came in breathing fire in the closing half, to score two tries, and converted one to raise the scores to 19-0.
Kevin Wekesa joined the scoresheet with an unconverted try before Amaitsa set up Odongo for his second try of the match. The conversion attempt was successful before the referee blew the final whistle, leading to cheers of joy from the Kenyan fans.
Uganda Cranes settled for bronze after heaping a 31-7 misery over Germany while Morans missed out on the podium after humbling KCB Rugby 26-0.
Uganda Lady Cranes pip Kenya Lionesses
Uganda Lady Cranes staged a remarkable comeback to see off Kenya Lionesses 15-12 in the closely contested final played at the same venue.
The Cranes visibly picked their lessons from their hard-earned 26-12 victory over the Cubs in the semifinals. The Lionesses on the other hand were oozing confidence after seeing off Tropic 7s 45-0 in the semifinal.
Agnes Nakuya opened the scores for the Cranes with a try that was converted by Mayimuna Nassozi.
Kenyans would then respond with a five-pointer from Sinaida Mokaya who sent the crowd wild.
The play was on, and minutes later, it was Lydia Namabiro beating her opponent Maureen Muritu for pace to score at the corner. Maimuna's conversion attempt sailed wide.
In the second half, Ritta Nadunga came in flying with another five-pointer that further widened the scores. Kenya scored the last try of the match courtesy of Naomi Amuguni. It was also Amuguni's second try of the tournament.
Lionesses Cubs claimed third position after a 31-7 win over Tropics 7s in the third-place playoff.
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