Kenya 7s

Kenya 7s reach Challenger Series semis after seeing off stubborn Japan

By Amanga collins

Posted on January 13, 2024

Kenya 7s player Patrick Odongo scorers. PHOTO /Mike Lee

Kenya 7s have crossed on to the Challenger Series semi-final after staging a comeback to win 21-19 against Japan at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai

Japan hit first with an unconverted try through Kippei Tanikana for a 5-0 lead. Kenya pulled back when Nygel Amaitsa launched an attack via a kick and though Patrick Odongo could not recollect it, Amaitsa was successful on his recollection for a 7-5 lead after Anthony Omondi ‘s conversion.

Japan reclaimed the lead in the second half with Yoshihiro Noguchi landing a try for a 12-7 lead.

Shujaa reclaimed the lead when Samuel Asati had a break and went on to score a centre post try for a 14-12 lead after a conversion by Omondi. Kenya 7s stretched the lead when Parick Odongo rose from the ruck and raced on to land the third try that was converted for 21-12.

EDITOR’S PICKS:

Japan did not give up and fought on to score through Takamasa Maruo for 21-19 scoreline. With the win, Shujaa will face the winner of the Tonga-Uruguay match on Sunday.

The HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 will take place in three rounds on three continents between January and May, providing a clear promotion pathway to reach the pinnacle of HSBC SVNS in 2025.

The top four placed men’s and women’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 teams, based on cumulative series points after the third round, will secure their opportunity to compete in the new high-stakes promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on 31 May – 2 June 2024 against the teams ranked ninth to 12^th from HSBC SVNS 2024.