Kenya 7s, commonly known as Shujaa, lost 26-21 to the United States in the 13th place semi-final of the Los Angeles Sevens tournament, resulting in their elimination from the competition.
Despite the loss, Brunson Madigu had a strong start to the World Sevens Series and scored his first try of the series on his first start for Kenya in the match. He also successfully converted the try, putting Shujaa ahead with a score of 7-0.
The USA team responded by stringing together several passes, ultimately resulting in Malacchi Esdale scoring a try that went unconverted.
Later in the first half, Daniel Taabu received an offload and quickly raced on to score another try for Shujaa, which was successfully converted, giving the team a nine-point lead.
In the second half, the USA team made an impressive comeback, scoring quick back-to-back tries from Esdale, Steve Tomasin, and Faitala Talapusi.
Despite Kenya’s Kevin Wekesa breaking through the centre of the pitch to score a third try that was converted, Shujaa ultimately fell short as the centre referee blew the final whistle, securing the USA’s victory.
Shujaa now shift focus on Vancouver 7s set for next weekend.
Los Angeles Quarters (Times in EAT )
9TH PLACE QUARTER FINAL
USA 12-14 Spain
Kenya 7s 7-12 Canada
France 12-5 Chile
Uruguay 19-7 Japan
CUP QUARTER FINALS
Samoa 12-19 Argentina
Fiji 28-7 South Africa
Great Britain 12-24 New Zealand
Ireland Australia
13TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
USA vs Kenya 7s- 23:02
Chile vs Japan : 23:24
9TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Spain vs Canada- 23:46
Monday 27 February
France vs Uruguay- 00:08
5TH PLACE SEMI FINAL
Samoa vs South Africa- 00:30
Great Britain vs Ireland -00:52
CUP SEMI FINALS
Argentina vs Argentina -01:14
New Zealand vs Australia-01:36
13TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M33 vs Winner M34- 01:58
9TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M35 vs Winner M36- 03:07
5TH PLACE PLAY-OFF
Winner M36 vs Winner M37 -03:31
BRONZE FINAL
Loser M39 vs Loser M40
CUP FINAL
Winner M39 vs Winner M40: 04:28
