Africa 7s: Shujaa storm into quarterfinals in impressive fashion
By Joel Sang, September 16, 2023Impressive Shujaa topped Africa 7s Pool B after a 38-12 win over Zambia in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday, September 12, 2023.
The win over Zambia completed a dominant show by Kenya 7s, who are under a new technical bench led by Kevin Wambua.
Meanwhile, Samuel Asati registered the first try for Kenya with a conversion by Tony Omondi, before Onyala ensured they enjoyed a 12-0 lead shortly.
Asati, who was an impressive figure, and Omondi’s efforts gave Kenya a 19-5 lead before Nygel Amaitsa, with a try of his own, stretched it to 24-5 just before halftime.
The second half began with Patrick Odongo’s try and Omondi’s conversion for a 35-5 lead before Zambia converted a try and reduced the gap to 35-12.
A Beldad Ogeta converted try, however, ensured Kenya finished the last group match with a 38-12 victory.
Shujaa’s previous victories
Shujaa had claimed their place in the quarterfinals after an impressive show against Namibia, picking up a 51-0 victory.
The win over Namibia came after they saw off Nigeria in an earlier duel and went on to secure maximum points against the Southern Africans.
Meanwhile, Onyala, Wekesa, and John Okoth each contributed two tries that ensured Kenya took a commanding lead against Namibia.
Odongo, who was making his debut for the national outfit, won a try on the right after cleverly beating his opponent, and Tony Omondi’s conversion ensured a 7-0 lead was secured.
Onyala, who had scored two tries in the first match, then scored his try after he was released by a precise pass from Wekesa.
Wekesa got himself on the scoresheet when he extended Kenya’s lead to 17-0 after powerfully breaking through Namibia’s defence line.
Shujaa run riot
After Namibia threatened to score, Kenya mounted a counterattack to score before the break. Samuel Asati started the powerful counterattack as he released a pass to Onyala, who went on to score his second try of the game.
In the second half, Okoth, after breaking from the left-hand side, managed to get his name on the scoresheet, and his try was converted to stretch the East Africans’ lead to 31-0.
Wekesa registered his second try in the game, and Okoth, after bursting through the defense, managed to score a center post try.
George Ooro’s try, which was successfully converted, ensured Shujaa took home a 51-0 win as their main focus was now in the knockout phase.