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Shujaa and Zimbabwe Cheetahs maintain 100% streak in 2024 Safari 7s ahead of decider

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 12, 2024

Kenya Harlequin Lucky Dewald with a scrum pick at the Safari 7s. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

Shujaa and Zimbabwe Cheetahs are the only teams with 100% at the 2024 Safari 7s after winning their first three matches at Machakos Stadium. Both sides have shown dominance, setting the stage for a thrilling Pool A decider.

Shujaa, coached by Kevin Wambua, maintained their perfect record with a commanding 44-0 win over Kenya Varsity Select.

Shujaa’s run in Safari 7s

National 7s Circuit top scorer Dennis Abukuse opened the scoring and added a second try after a clever switch play by Samuel Asati.

William Mwanji powered over for the third try, followed by Benson Salem, who sold a dummy before sprinting clear to give Shujaa a comfortable halftime lead.

Amon Wamalwa in action for Kenya Morans in the 2024 Safari 7s. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

In the second half, Abukuse completed his hat-trick with a powerful try. Salem added another, while substitutes Gabriel Ayimba and Daniel Taabu crossed the whitewash to cap off the win.

Uganda Emerging 7s registered their first victory with a hard-fought 19-14 comeback win over Red Wailers.

Red Wailers started strong, scoring the opening try off a turnover at the scrum, converted by Arnold Muita for a 7-0 lead.

Uganda responded with a converted try to level the scores at 7-7 before halftime. In the second half, Shuaibu Wesonga put the Wailers ahead with a corner try, and Muita nailed a tough conversion for a 14-7 advantage.

Uganda’s Malcolm Oketch levelled the game with a late try, followed by a successful conversion to tie the match at 14-14. A quick restart gave Uganda the chance to score the decisive try, sealing the win.

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Kenya Morans ended Shogun Rugby’s winning streak in a thrilling 19-19 draw, with both sides showing resilience throughout the match.

Brian Ondego gave Morans an early lead with a kick-and-chase try, which was successfully converted for 7-0. Captain Festus Shiasi added a second try after a quick tap penalty, and the conversion extended the lead to 14-0.

Shogun mounted a comeback, with Alex Odinga scoring a corner try to reduce the deficit to 14-7. They added another converted try just before halftime, tying the game at 14-14.

In the second half, Shogun were penalized for diving into a ruck, and Morans capitalized with Elvis Olukusi sprinting down the wing to score.

Shogun fought back with another try but missed the conversion, leaving Morans to hold on for a 19-19 draw.

Morans battle against Kenya Harlequin in Safari 7s. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

Zimbabwe Cheetahs delivered a spectacular performance, thrashing Qatar 53-0 in the tournament’s biggest win so far.

The Cheetahs wowed the fans with brilliant offloads and fluid play, dismantling Qatar with ease. Their victory sets up an exciting showdown with Shujaa to determine who will top Pool A.

Both Shujaa and Zimbabwe will now face off, with the winner securing the top spot in the group as they head into the knockout stages.