Brilliant Odongo propels Shujaa to Dubai Challenger Series title
By Joel Sang, January 14, 2024
Kenya are the Dubai Challenger Series title winners after overpowering Chile 12-5 in the final on Sunday, January `14, 2024.
Patrick Odongo, who managed a hattrick of tries in the semi-final against Uruguay, scored two tries against Chile as he led the East Africans to the 2024 title in Dubai.
Odongo was set through for his opening try by a nice offload by Vincent Onyala. A conversion that followed gave Kenya a 7-0 lead.
Kenya’s margin was reduced when Chile scored an unconverted try by Ernest Videla. Although they looked energised after scoring the try that closed the margin, Kenya kept their fighting spirit.
The teams eventually went for the break, with Kenya enjoying a slim lead against the South Americans.
Odongo registered his second try when he sprinted to the line to extend the lead for Kenya against an opponent that looked unsettled in the opening minutes of the second half.
Kenya could not get another try to stretch the lead further, and Chile could not mount a comeback as they settled for the second spot.
The win ensured that Shujaa ended the Challenger Series at the top of their table with 20 points. Their only setback came after falling to Germany on Saturday, but they rose from their ruins to beat Japan in the quarters and Uruguay in the semis.
Going into the competition, Kevin Wambua’s charges needed to finish among the top four to guarantee themselves a place in the promotion playoffs at the end of the series.
Lionesses fall
Meanwhile, Kenya Lionesses were defeated by China by a margin of 19-5 in the women’s final.
The Lionesses bossed Argentina in the semi-final duel but were unable to find their way past China. Their campaign ended with a cumulation of 18 points.