Shujaa pip Burkina Faso to reach Africa Men’s 7s semis

Kenya's 7s National Team, Shujaa, kicked off their Sunday on a high with a resounding 26-0 win over Burkina Faso in the Africa Men’s 7s tournament that is ongoing in Harare, Zimbabwe.

The Kenyans had an outstanding performance in Saturday’s matches. They checked into the South African nation with a resounding 34-10 win over Nigeria before whitewashing Namibia 51-0 in their second pool match. They ended the day on a high with a 38-12 victory over Zambia.

Given their impressive day one performance, Burkina Faso did not appear to pose a challenge to the gusty Kenyans. They were looking to go past the quarterfinal stage.

In the opening minutes of the game, Burkina Faso was punished for infringement, with one player going to the naughty chair. Kenya 7s then capitalized on the numerical advantage to score their opening try through Patrick Odongo. The conversion attempt was off.

John Okoth then scored two easy tries that further stretched the scoreboard. Kevin Wekesa would then attempt a try, but the referee called for a forward pass.

Kevin Wambua’s charges were seemingly having fun on the pitch, and moments later, it was William Mwanji setting up speedster Beldad Ogeta for another five-pointer. The two-time Olympians then attempted a last-minute finish, but it was unsuccessful, and the full-time score was 26-0.

The Kenyans will be looking to pick up maximum wins to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics. The team, which has six debutants, is reaping the fruits of an intensive two-month training stint as they hope to seal the automatic slot to the Olympics next year, especially after getting relegated from the World Sevens Series in London in May.

Shujaa Squad: Vincent Onyala (KCB, co-captain), Tony Omondi (Mwamba, co-captain), Brian Tanga (Kabras Sugar), Kevin Wekesa (Kabras Sugar), John Okoth (Menengai Oilers), George Ooro (Strathmore Leos), Samuel Asati (KCB)*, Nygel Amaitsa (Strathmore Leos)*, William Mwanji (Kabras Sugar) *, Beldad Ogeta (Menengai Oilers) *, Patrick Odongo (Daystar Falcons) *, Festus Shiasi (KCB)*

Management: Kevin Wambua (head coach), Louis Kisia (assistant coach), Andrew Amonde (strength and conditioning coach), Lamech Bogonko (physiotherapist), Steven Sewe (team manager).*denotes debutantes

Non-Traveller Reserves: Elvis Olukusi (KCB), Fidens Tony (Nondescripts), Ronnie Omondi (Mwamba)