Safari 7s: Shujaa thump Shogun to claim third consecutive title

Shujaa clinched their third consecutive Safari 7s title with a hard-fought 12-0 victory over Shogun Rugby in a closely contested final played on Sunday, 13 October at the Machakos Stadium.

The victory adds to their titles from 2021, 2023, and now 2024.

This triumph echoes the 2023 final, where Shujaa defeated Shogun, formerly known as Samurai, with a score of 19-0. The latest victory saw the Kevin Wambua-coached side become the first team to complete a treble since 2008-2010.

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In their fifth final clash, the two teams fought evenly from the start.

Both sides struggled to break through in the first half, with George Ooro coming close for Shujaa but unable to ground the ball.

Despite promising attacking opportunities, Shujaa was hindered by penalties at critical moments, leaving the score at 0-0 by halftime.

Shujaa finally broke the deadlock in the second half when Samuel Asati capitalized on a loose ball from the scrum and passed it to Dennis Abukuse.

Abukuse set up Patrick Odongo, who sprinted clear to score the opening try. However, Odongo was later shown a yellow card for tackling without the ball, reducing Shujaa to six players.

Despite this setback, Shujaa held firm and extended their lead. Asati again played a pivotal role, setting up Benson Salem for a decisive try that secured the 12-0 victory and completed their three-peat.

Morans finish third

Meanwhile, the Kenya Morans claimed third place with a commanding 26-5 win over the Zimbabwe Cheetahs, avenging recent losses at the All-Africa Games and Africa Men’s 7s.

Morans dominated the first half, taking a 19-0 lead at the break. Floydd Wabwire scored first with a swift move to the unmarked wing, then doubled the lead with another try to put Morans up 12-0.

A critical error from Zimbabwe allowed Festus Shiasi to pounce on a loose restart, racing clear for a converted try to end the half 19-0.

In the second half, Zimbabwe found some rhythm as Carlos Matematema and Moyo Kholwani combined for a try, making it 19-5. However, Wabwire returned the favor to Shiasi, setting him up to complete his brace. A converted try sealed the 26-5 win for the Morans.

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Quins finish sixth

Kenya Harlequin concluded their campaign with a loss to Lions, finishing in sixth place in the competition.