NEWS

Kenya Morans out of Africa Men’s 7s Cup contention after Zim loss, SA, Madagascar reach semis

By Amanga collins

Posted on July 7, 2024

kenya Morans captains Brian Mutua and Benson Salem. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique/Facebook

Kenya Morans suffered a last-minute heartbreak as they were eliminated by Zimbabwe Cheetahs in the quarterfinals of the Africa Men’s 7s second leg being played in Mauritius.

The loss means Kenya have relinquished the title they won in 2023 after back-to-back quarterfinal eliminations.

Kenya Morans target

Louis Kisia’s charges headed into this match seeking to avenge last weekend’s 28-19 loss. They started impressively as Amon Wamalwa burst through the defence and touched down the opener, which was converted for a 7-0 lead.

Kenya Morans in action in Africa Men’s 7s against Nigeria. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique/FB

In the second half, Zimbabwe got the ball after Kenya’s kick and went on to score through Shingirai Katsvere, but the conversion was off-target.

Zimbabwe conceded a yellow card but held on. Kenya won a ruck and kicked the ball out of play, but the referee decided to have the last play. Off the line-out, Morans failed to contain Zimbabwe, who scored the second try for a 10-7 win.

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A 7-0 win was enough for Madagascar to reach the Cup semis once again after eliminating Tunisia in the first quarterfinal.

The first half produced no points, but Madagascar managed to strike after halftime to lead 7-0 after conversion. Despite conceding a yellow card, they held on with six men to reach the last four.

South Africa reached the semis after a 27-5 win over Burkina Faso in the quarters. In a repeat of last weekend’s semis, South Africa found themselves behind after the Burkina Faso side scored for a 5-0 lead.

Ntokozo Makhaza, off a ruck, sold a dummy and went on to score the equalizing try.

Siyabonga Ndlozi was set up by Makhaza for the second try that gave the South Africans a lead heading into halftime. After the break, Sebastian Jobb latched onto a kick to stretch South Africa’s lead to 15-5. Kyle Cyster’s center post try was converted for a 22-5 lead. South Africa pushed the scoreline up with a left corner try, sealing their victory.