Kenya 7s missed the opportunity to pick a win that would have given them slim hopes of reaching the quarters from an open Pool C after losing their third match 33-17 to Uruguay in the Singapore 7s.
Shujaa, entered their match against Uruguay hoping to secure their first win of the tournament after suffering two narrow defeats in previous matches. The win would have been crucial as it would have opened the pool wide as France would have being the lone side that had picked maximum points after two rounds ahead of their face off with USA.
The team started off strong, taking a 5-0 lead through Herman Humwa’s try, but soon found themselves down a player when Kevin Wekesa received a yellow card.
Uruguay seized the opportunity and scored a try through Felipe Arcos Perez to take a 7-5 lead after Humwa lost possession in contact with Uruguay earning a scrum.
Baltazar Amaya added another try for Uruguay, but Kenya bounced back with a brilliant try from Brian Tanga after he sold a dummy to break away. His try was successfully converted, to tie the game 12-12 at halftime.
In the second half, Perez scored his second try to put Uruguay ahead 19-12. Kenya’s hopes were further dashed when they failed to secure a ruck in their own zone, leading to a try by Tomas Etcheverry.
Mateo Vinals then scored a try for Uruguay, despite strong defense from Kenya, effectively sealing the game. Alvin Otieno scored a late try for Kenya, but it was not enough to turn the tide.
Kenya will now wait to know their opponent in the ninth place quarters on Sunday.
Singapore 7s results
Argentina 10-0 Ireland
Great Britain 19-17 Japan
South Africa 0-19 Australia
New Zealand 47-0 Hong Kong
USA 21-24 Uruguay
France 26-19 Kenya 7s
Spain 24-28 Samoa
Fiji 21-12 Canada
Argentina 42-7 Japan
Great Britain 14-7 Ireland
South Africa 31-12 Hong Kong
New Zealand 24-12 Australia
USA 21-19 Kenya 7s
France 26-12 Uruguay
Spain 7-21 Canada
Fiji 7-28 Samoa
Ireland 7-12 Japan
Great Britain 17-19 Argentina
Australia 48-0 Hong Kong
New Zealand 12-7 South Africa
Uruguay vs Kenya 7s : 13:07
France vs USA : 13:35
Samoa vs Canada : 14:05
Fiji vs Spain: 14:33
