Shujaa 7s win HSBC challenger series in Dubai as Lionesses claim silver

Dubai, 

Sunday, 14 January, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

Kenya National rugby team Shujaa 7s are the HSBC Challenger series Champions after sealing a dominant 12-5 win over Chile in the finals played at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai on Sunday.

Patrick Odongo was the man of the day as he scored two tries leading Kenya to the title. 

Odongo opened the scoring with a brilliant try after sprinting off on the right flank following an offload from Vincent Onyala. The try was easily converted to give Shujaa a 7-0 lead.

However Chile got straight back into it as Ernest Vidino overcame his markers setting Benjamin Videla who cut the lead to 7-5 at half time.

In the final half, Odongo once again took a single run to send Kenya to a 12-7 lead after missed conversion, scoring his second of the game and 11th overall in Dubai. 

In the semis, Shujaa hammered Uruguay 21-5 where rising star Patrick Odongo scored a hat trick to inspire Kenya to the win.

Meanwhile, their women’s counterparts Kenya Lionesses fell to China in the cup final, after losing 19-5, ending the tournament with 18 points.

Kenyans took to social media to congratulate the home boys as Azimio leader Raila Odinga wished them well in their campaign to secure a spot in the World Rugby Sevens Series. 

"Hats off to Kenya Sevens for winning the #7sChallengerSeries Dubai leg. Wishing you the very best as you aim to secure a spot in the World Rugby Sevens Series." Raila Odinga said.