Shujaa beat plucky Japan for first win in Munich Challenger Series
18th May 2024
Kenya will now lock horns with Portugal at exactly 3:04 PM in their second game.
- Tries by Wekesa, Okoth, Odongo, Ojwang got the job done in the Pool C opener.
- Shujaa are aiming to finish inside the top four teams in the 2024 Challenger Series with Munich hosting the final leg.
- The team only need to reach the quarterfinals to ensure they qualify for the playoffs in Madrid.
The men’s national rugby 7s side, Shujaa, got their Munich Challenger Series off to the perfect start as they saw off Japan 28-12 in their opening pool match on Saturday afternoon.
Needing to reach the quarterfinals to guarantee themselves a chance of making it to the 8-team playoffs in Madrid where sides finishing in the top four will gain promotion to the World 7s Series, Shujaa showed composure as they came from behind to get the job done in the Pool C opener.
Shotaro Tsuako’s unconverted try had given Japan the lead but Kevin Wekesa’s lung-bursting run from his half helped Kenya to settle early nerves as Anthony Omondi converted for 7-5.
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Japan’s clever play proved to be a handful, and Moeki Fukushi scored their second try that was converted this time as they retook the lead.
However, that would be the last try they managed as John Okoth unleashed his afterburners to touch down Shujaa’s second converted try that gave them a lead they would hold on to.
Fan favourite Patrick Odongo was next in line to get on the scoring charts before substitute Chrisant Ojwang touched the fourth and final try, both efforts converted by Omondi as Kenya won.
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Following the win, the Kevin Wambua-coached side will now lock horns with Portugal at exactly 3:04 PM Kenyan time before completing their group fixtures against heavyweights Chile at 5:46 PM on the same day.
Meanwhile, the Kenya women’s 7s team, who also need to finish among the top four sides to qualify for the play-off, will play hosts Poland in their first game slated for 1:28 PM Kenyan time on Saturday in Krakow.
Lionesses, who occupy fifth position at the moment with 24 points, are then scheduled to play Belgium and Mexico at 4:32 PM and 6:52 PM Kenyan time respectively.
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