Shujaa on course to securing season’s target after double wins in Munich

Shujaa on course to securing season’s target after double wins in Munich

Joel Omotto 17:04 - 18.05.2024

Kenya Sevens kept their dreams of reaching the World Series promotion playoff alive after winning their opening two group games at the Challenger Series finale in Munich.

Kenya Sevens kept alive their hopes of achieving their target of a top-four finish at the final 2024 Challenger Series leg following two wins in as many games in Munich, Germany.

Shujaa thrashed Portugal 33-5 in their second group match, coming after they had disposed off Japan 28-12, in their opener earlier on Saturday.

Kenya managed five tries in their comprehensive victory against the Portuguese, coming from captain Vincent Onyala, John Okoth, Chrisant Ojwang, Nygel Amaitsa, and George Ooro with co-captain Tony Omondi converting four of them.

That came after they overturned a 12-7 deficit at halftime to beat Japan. Shotaro Tsuoka put Japan ahead with an unconverted try before Kenya responded through Kevin Wekesa with Omondi converting for 7-5.

However, the Japanese went ahead with a converted try from Moeki Fukushi for 12-7 at the break before Kevin Wambua’s men fought back after the interval.

John Okoth touched down, Omondi with the extras again, before the returning Patrick Odongo showed his pace and power to extend Shujaa’s lead, a try that was also converted by the deputy skipper.

Chrisant Onjwang came off the bench to seal the win for Kenya who now have one foot in the cup quarter-final ahead of their final Group C clash against Chile.

Chile will give them a major test although they will draw inspiration from the second leg in Montevideo, Uruguay when they beat the South Americans 31-12 to win bronze in March.

Kenya need to reach the semi-final to seal a top-four finish in Munich which will see them secure a place in the promotion-relegation playoff in Madrid, Spain in June where a place in the World Series is at stake.

Shujaa saw their 19-year top-flight status come to a crushing end last May but can make a giant step on their journey to an immediate return with a good outing in Germany.

If Kenya secures the top four place, they will head to Madrid in June for the promotion-relegation playoff where they will come up against four other teams that will finish in the bottom four in the World Series.

The top four sides from the playoff tournament will earn a place in the World Series while the rest form part of the second-tier Challenger Series next season.

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