Shujaa outmuscle defending champions Morans to book final berth against Germany

The 2021 edition of the Safari Sevens tournament will have a new champion lifting the Robin Cahill Trophy.

This is after the reigning defending champions Kenya Morans were ousted by the men's national side Shujaa 19-17 in a thrilling semi final encounter played at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Shujaa started the closely contested tie as they meant to go. After a brilliant flow of play from one side to the other, Edmond Anya easily crossed over the whitewash for Shujaa's first try of the game, Alvin 'Buffa' Otieno offloading the ball to him upon beating the remaining defender. Levy Amunga however failed to convert as Shujaa took an early 5-0 lead.

Having gotten the advantage, Shujaa slumped just a little bit and the defending champions needed no more invitation as they scored two tries to take a 5-12 lead by halftime.

Hannington Wabwire first went on a lung bursting run before touching down to get the game momentarily levelled at 5-5 following a failed conversion attempt.

With the ascendancy on their side, Morans then took advantage as clever plays and dummies involved enabled Austin Sikutwa to touch down for their second try as they took the lead for the first time into the break after Mohammed Omollo added the extras with a successful conversion.

Upon second half's resumption, top seeded Shujaa came out determined to make their presence and status known.

Barely a minute in, Alvin Marube sliced through the Morans defence as he scored the second try that ensured Shujaa restored parity at 12-12 after a successful Amunga conversion.

The team talk from head coach Innocent 'Namcos' Simiyu seemed to be bearing fruit as Shujaa once again retook the lead through Archadius Khwesa who showed sheer grit to beat two defenders who tried to get in his way before scoring Shujaa's successfully converted third try of the game that took the game to 19-12.

Facing possible elimination from the tournament, the defending champions went all out in a bid to get another shot at being able to fight for this year's trophy. Despite them being able to score a corner post try that took the game to 19-17, they were unfortunate not to force sudden death extra time as the conversion was just short. In the end, their heroics proving just too little to late as they bowed out of the cup.

Shujaa will now fight for the top honours against Germany who dispatched Red Wailers 7-26 in the other semis match.