Kenya managed a 26-21 win over the United States to book the ninth-place final spot in a match that was staged on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at HBF Park in Australia.

The Americans were the first to score when Adam Channel made his way past the Kenyan defense line, and his first try and a conversion gave them a 7-0 lead.

Parity restored

Shujaa‘s superstar Patrick Odongo scored the first try for the East Africans, and a conversion that followed brought the game to par with a 7-7 scoreline.

Kenya scored their second try through George Ooro, but a missed conversion meant that the lead was not stretched far with Shujaa enjoying a 12-7 lead just before the second half break.

Ooro earned his brace when he was set up by Dennis Abukuse, and with a successful conversion, Kenya stretched its lead to 19-7.

US’s superstar Channel earned his brace just after Ooro’s, and a successful conversion meant the Americans reduced the gap on the scoreline to 19-14.

Abukuse’s effort made sure that the US did not equalise as his action forced a lineout that shifted the momentum in favour of Kenya.

Floyd Wabwire’s effort sealed the US’ fate as the Kenyan launched a kick-and-chase move that gave his team a try, and a conversion gave them a 26-14 lead against the American rivals.

However, US kept fighting, and Tala Talapusi gave them a try, and accompanied with a successful conversion, the gap again was reduced with the scoreline reading 26-21.

Despite heightened pressure from the US, Kenya held tight to their lead to dispatch the rivals and book the ninth-place final spot.

Shujaa will next face New Zealand.