Kenya’s men’s rugby sevens team, Shujaa, bounced back from an opening loss to defeat Portugal 26-14 in their second Pool A match at the Los Angeles Sevens on Sunday, May 4, 2025, while the Lionesses suffered a second straight defeat, falling 28-10 to Brazil in the women’s competition.

Shujaa, who had narrowly lost 19-12 to Samoa on Saturday, produced a commanding second-half performance to claim their first win of the tournament.

After conceding an early try to Portugal’s Duarte Morais, Kenya responded with a flurry of scores led by Kevin Wekesa, who crossed the whitewash twice in the 8th and 11th minutes.

Anthony Mboya, who converted three of Kenya’s four tries, kept the scoreboard ticking, while Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa and Patrick Odongo Okong’o also touched down in a dominant showing.

Portugal grabbed a late consolation through Max Coutts, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Kenya from taking maximum points.

Earlier, Shujaa had shown promise against Samoa, with Amaitsa scoring a brace, but were undone by tries from Owen Niue, Kirisimasi Savaiinaea, and Motu Opetai.

Lionesses’ struggle

In the women’s division, the Lionesses endured another tough outing, succumbing 28-10 to a clinical Brazil side in their second Pool A fixture.

Kenya had started brightly with an early try from Sheila Chajira in the third minute, but Brazil quickly took control.

Bianca Silva opened Brazil’s account in the 5th minute, followed by a brace from Camilla Carvalho and a solo effort from Raquel Kochhann, who also slotted home all four conversions.

Despite a late try from Sinaida Nyachio, the Lionesses couldn’t overturn the deficit.

The result came after Kenya’s opening 33-14 defeat to Spain, where Freshia Oduor’s double and conversions by Grace Okulu and Nyachio had given the team a fighting chance.

However, defensive lapses allowed Spain to run in five tries.

Tournament outlook

Both Kenyan sides now prepare for crucial final group games—Shujaa against the USA, and the Lionesses against Colombia—as they seek to boost their knockout stage hopes.

The teams will need strong performances in their remaining matches to progress from the pool stages in order to secure a slot in the 2025/26 HSBC SVNS series following the latest tournament format by World Rugby.