Perth 7s: Shujaa dispatch USA to seal ninth place final spot

Photo || Arigi Obiero -KRU

Perth 7s: Shujaa dispatch USA to seal ninth place final spot

Mark Kinyanjui 12:10 - 25.01.2025

Shujaa have had a good Saturday at the Perth 7s in Australia so far, having also beaten Uruguay in their final Pool C clash.

Kenya’s national men’s sevens team, Shujaa, delivered an electrifying performance to defeat the USA 26-21 in a thrilling ninth-place semi-final clash at HBF Park in Australia on Saturday morning.

Kenya’s national men’s sevens team, Shujaa, delivered an electrifying performance to defeat the USA 26-21 in a thrilling ninth-place semi-final clash at HBF Park in Australia on Saturday morning.

 The victory sets them up for the ninth-place final at the ongoing Perth 7s tournament.

Back & forth battle

The USA struck first through Adam Channel, whose dazzling footwork left the Kenyan defense flat-footed, with the try successfully converted for a 7-0 lead. 

However, Shujaa quickly responded as Patrick Odongo leveled the score with a well-executed converted try.

Momentum shifted to Kenya when George Ooro powered his way down the right flank after receiving a pass from Sammy Asati, giving Shujaa their first lead of the match.

At the start of the second half, Ooro struck again, capitalizing on a penalty situation. Dennis Abukuse skillfully offloaded the ball to the captain, who crossed the whitewash for his second try, extending Kenya's lead to 19-7.

The USA clawed back into contention with Channel scoring his second try, taking advantage of a lapse in Kenya's defense. 

But Floyd Wabwire restored Shujaa’s cushion in spectacular fashion. After a deep kick from Kenya’s own 22-meter zone, Wabwire chased the ball, kicked it forward twice, and dotted it down for a converted try, making it 26-14.

A mishap in the restart allowed Tomas Talapusi to reduce the deficit with a try, which he converted himself, bringing the USA within five points at 26-21. However, Shujaa held firm in the dying moments to secure the win.

Earlier in the day, Shujaa ended their pool-stage drought with an emphatic 19-5 win over Uruguay, an unbeaten side heading into the match.

 The victory not only marked their first pool-stage triumph of the tournament but also served as sweet revenge for their December 2024 loss to Uruguay in the Dubai 7s ninth-place playoff.

Shujaa’s spirited performances in Perth highlight their determination to climb back to the top of the sevens rugby circuit. All eyes now turn to the ninth-place final, where the Kenyan team will aim to cap off their campaign on a high note.

 The victory sets them up for the ninth-place final at the ongoing Perth 7s tournament.

Back & forth battle

The USA struck first through Adam Channel, whose dazzling footwork left the Kenyan defense flat-footed, with the try successfully converted for a 7-0 lead. 

However, Shujaa quickly responded as Patrick Odongo leveled the score with a well-executed converted try.

Momentum shifted to Kenya when George Ooro powered his way down the right flank after receiving a pass from Sammy Asati, giving Shujaa their first lead of the match.

At the start of the second half, Ooro struck again, capitalizing on a penalty situation. Dennis Abukuse skillfully offloaded the ball to the captain, who crossed the whitewash for his second try, extending Kenya's lead to 19-7.

The USA clawed back into contention with Channel scoring his second try, taking advantage of a lapse in Kenya's defense. 

But Floyd Wabwire restored Shujaa’s cushion in spectacular fashion. After a deep kick from Kenya’s own 22-meter zone, Wabwire chased the ball, kicked it forward twice, and dotted it down for a converted try, making it 26-14.

A mishap in the restart allowed Tomas Talapusi to reduce the deficit with a try, which he converted himself, bringing the USA within five points at 26-21. However, Shujaa held firm in the dying moments to secure the win.

Earlier in the day, Shujaa ended their pool-stage drought with an emphatic 19-5 win over Uruguay, an unbeaten side heading into the match.

 The victory not only marked their first pool-stage triumph of the tournament but also served as sweet revenge for their December 2024 loss to Uruguay in the Dubai 7s ninth-place playoff.

Shujaa’s spirited performances in Perth highlight their determination to climb back to the top of the sevens rugby circuit. All eyes now turn to the ninth-place final against New Zealand, where the Kenyan team will aim to cap off their campaign on a high note.

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