WORLD SEVENS SERIES

Kenya 7s beat hosts USA to qualify for Los Angeles 7s fifth-place playoffs

By Amanga collins

Posted on August 29, 2022

Alvin Otieno in action for Kenya 7s against USA. Photo Courtesy/KRU media.

Kenya 7s advanced to the Los Angeles 7s fifth-place playoffs after a 21-14 win over hosts USA in the fifth place semi-final played at Dignity Park.

Both sides had been eliminated from the cup contention following losses to Australia and Fiji in the Cup quarters and were now hoping to reach the fifth place playoffs.

Cagey half

A cagey first half was witnessed and it was till the last seconds of the half that USA lost possession and Shujaa hit them on a counter with the ball being quickly shifted to find Alvin Otieno on the left side and he raced for the first try of the match which was converted for a 7-0.

On return from the break, the USA put up a strong fight and nearly got a try but Willy Ambaka’s tackle on Perry Baker ensured Shujaa stayed ahead.

The resultant line-out saw USA earn a penalty-try with Kevin Wekesa being yellow-carded for denying USA a clear scoring opportunity.

Editor’s pick:

USA made the extra man advantage count as Baker stepped inside and set up Steve Tomasin for a centre post try that was converted for a 14-7 lead.

Kenya tied the scores when Billy Odhiambo offloaded to Daniel Taabu for a centre post try which he converted for a 14-14.

Shujaa won a scrum in the final seconds of the game and a short pass to Edmund Anya saw him race to score the winning try which was converted to put the game beyond USA.

Kenya 7s will face the winner of the match against Ireland and Argentina at 2:31 AM on Monday.

Sunday 28 August