Shujaa beat South Africa to win Africa rugby 7s

Harare 

Sunday, 17 September, 2023 

By McCreadie Andias 

Kenyan Rugby 7s team Shujaa have booked their ticked to the 2024 Paris Olympics after sealing a gallant win over South Africa's Blitzboks to win the Africa rugby 7s title at Harare, Zimbabwe on Sunday evening. 

Daystar University Falcons star Patrick Odongo was the man of the day as he touched down two important tries to secure shujaa a 17-12 win that saw them clinch their 7th major International title after their sensational Singapore 7s triumph in 2016 against Fiji and Africa 7s in 2019. 

The win has brought back smiles to Kenya's rugby fans following Shujaa's humiliating relegation in the world rugby sevens earlier this year. 

Under new coach Kevin Wambua, Kenya has won its sixth continental sevens title, a title they recaptured since they last won in 2019.

Kenya started off on an inspiring centre post-try by Odongo and a try by Tony Omondi putting them ahead of South Africa 7-0. 

However, Kenya did not enjoy their lead long enough after the Blitzboks took advantage of a clear midfield space and converted 7-5 courtesy if Selvyn Davids. 

Christie Grobbelar turned around the results in favor of the Blitzboks with a try that saw Kenya trail 12-7 heading into the break. 

Shujaa came strong in the final half with Odongo and John Okoth's tries inspiring Kenya to a 17-12 Victory. 

Odongo bagged seven tries in the tournament with 3 in the preliminary stages a try each in the quarters and semis and a brace in the Finals. 

Shujaa have completed an impressive run in the Africa 7s advancing from the group stages after beating Nigeria 34-10,Namibia 50-0 and only losing to Zambia 38-13. They edge out Burkina Faso 26-10 in the Quaters and Zimbabwe 35-10 Semis. 

It was disappointing result for the Blitzboks as they were forced into the qualifiers after failing to finish in the top four at last season’s World Rugby Sevens Series.