Taabu's brace sends Shujaa to Emirates 7s semis

Kenya sailed to the semi-finals of the Emirates Invitational 7s after a 19-21 win over Canada courtesy of an inspired performance from Daniel Taabu.

Shujaa recovered from their 14-15 loss to Spain in their final Pool clash after registering a 12-12 draw against France and kicking off their tournament with a 39-7 win over Chile.

Billy Odhiambo powered through from the 22-meter line to touch down the first try of the game as Daniel Taabu showed his impressive boot skills by converting the try from a difficult angle.

KCB captain Andrew Amonde blew a great chance to add another try as Canada’s defence held strong with a try-saving tackle.

Taabu ensured Kenya finished the half strongly as he sidestepped the Canada defence to touch down between the sticks as he converted the try with Kenya heading to the break with a 0-14 lead.

Canada made amends after the lethargic first half as they made a try following a poor line out from Shujaa that presented the ball to Canada for a simple try.

Taabu bagged his second try of the game after some brilliant piece of skill from Johnstone Olindi that curved open the Canada defence and converted the try for a 21-5 lead.

Canada finished the game with a flurry of tries as they made two converted tries to set up a nervy finish but Shujaa held on for the win. 

Kenya will face the winner between Uganda and France in the other quarter-final while Argentina and Japan will face off in the first semi-final.