T. NashipaeShujaa suffer first defeat in Challenger Series after falling to Germany
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 13.01.24. | 14:09
Germans made good use of their numerical advantage to inflict pain on the Kenyan boys
Shujaa suffered a 24-12 loss to Germany in their final pool match of the ongoing HSBC Challenger Series at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, UAE.
The team was coming from back-to-back victories against Mexico and Uganda (41-0) and (29-7) respectively.
Their hopes of winning all their pool matches were however cut short by the Germans who appeared strong from kick-off.
The loss was also the first for the team under coach Kevin Wambua. They had not tasted a defeat since September 2023 during the Africa Men's 7s tournament.
Heading to the match Shujaa had won six matches in the Africa Men’s 7s, six in Safari 7s, and the opening two matches in the Challenger Series.
The last time these two sides met was during the 2023 Safari 7s where Shujaa staged a remarkable comeback to overpower Germany 19-5.
The win saw them reach the finals of the Safari 7s, where they mauled Samurai Barracudas 19-0 to retain their title.
They started on the wrong footing, committing an infringement that saw their key player Kevin Wekesa sent to the naughty chair.
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The Germans utilized the numerical advantage to see John Dawe open the scores.
The defensive Shujaa then scored their opening try of the match thanks to Patrick Odongo's speed. Tony Omondi's conversion was sure to see Shujaa take the lead.
The Germans came in guns blazing in the closing half, scoring two tries courtesy of Tim Lichtenberg. Shujaa then scored one more unconverted try through Odongo.
Germany responded with a five-pointer from Lichtenberg before the sound of the final whistle.
Wambua's charges will now shift focus on the Cup quarters with their match slated for 6:05 pm.
