Kenya 7s had to strike at the death to pick a 19-12 against Portugal in the Challenger Series match played at Estadio Charrúa, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Heading to this event, Shujaa had won the Challenger Series opening event in Dubai and were keen to extend their fine run.
Kenya 7s were back foot in the earlier stages of the match. But quickly turned defence to attack when they collected a loose ball and Kevin Wekesa paced from his trybox to the other end to score the opening try. The try was converted for a 7-0 lead.
João Afra Rosa pulled back for Portugal as he landed a try following a short ball off a ruck. Their try went unconverted and Kenya held on to a slim lead.
The Shujaa were reduced to six when Dennis Abukuse was yellow carded and Portugal made the advantage count with João Vaz Antunes scoring under the posts for the lead. The try was converted for a 12-7 lead at the break.
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The second half was tight but a quick reaction by Tony Omondi saw him quickly tap off a penalty and he dived over for a try that tied the scores.
In the final minute of the game, Chrissant Ojwang came off the bench outpaced his marker and scored a crucial try that saw Shujaa win the match 19-12 after conversion to his try.
Shujaa will be back in action at 1:48 am for the match against Georgia.
