Kenya Rugby Sevens team Shujaa kicked off their Hong Kong series edition, registering a win and defeat in the opening group ties this Friday, March 28, in the Kai Tai stadium.

The Kenyans started on a high with a remarkable 19-0 win over Spain. Kevin Wambua’s side, however, slumped to a slim 12-7 defeat in the second-group tie at the hands of Great Britain.

Coach Wambua made a number of changes for the series, with former skipper Vincent Onyala among those dropped to the bench, with Kevin Wekesa and Amaitsa Nygel preferred.

Odongo returns

Patrick Odongo was also handed a starting berth on his return after missing the Vancouver campaign through injury.

The speed star merchant Odongo touched down the opening try to hand Kenya a dream start.

Shujaa, however, failed to extend the lead after sending the subsequent conversion wide but a conversion from George Ooro moments later saw the side extend the advantage.

Samuel Asati stretched the lead further in the final half to seal the victory against the much-hyped Spanish side, ranked as the improved team of the season heading to this campaign.

The second test against Great Britain proved to be a repeat of the two teams’ recent results, as Kenya fell to the narrow defeat.

Defeat to GB

The home side got off positively with an outstanding Odongo, again handing them the opening try. Harry Glover got to the end of a long ball to level the scores for Britain moments later.

Despite heading to the break level, a spirited second-half fight from the British inspired the 12- 7 score line.

With the results, Kenya now faces a huge matchup against France in the final group test.

The tie could prove crucial for Kenya who are currently placed 9th on the log with 15 points, which is just six from the relegation zone currently hosting USA and Ireland.

The tie will be staged on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 5:16 AM.

Concerns

Kenya, which reclaimed its place in the World Rugby Sevens Series in 2024, risks dropping further down the ranks in the ongoing edition.

A return to the big stage along with the big boys has, however, seen Kenyan on a path of mixed results as they look to regain its form of old.

The team’s previous outings in Perth and Vancouver have raised concern after inconsistent outcomes had Kenya losing crucial points and its rank on the standing.

The fourth campaign in Vancouver, where Kenya was on the receiving end, losing five fixtures in a row, proved an eye-opener that highlighted the dire need for improvements and resurgence.