NEWS

Shogun, Shujaa, Zimbabwe stay perfect in Safari 7s; Morans up and running

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 12, 2024

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

Shujaa, Morans, Zimbabwe Cheetahs, and Shogun all picked up wins in the opening round of Day 2 matches at the Safari 7s, being held at Machakos Stadium.

Shogun lead Pool B standings with nine points after winning all their matches, while Shujaa and Zimbabwe have six points each following consecutive victories.

Shujaa cruise in Safari 7s

Shujaa secured their second win of the tournament with an emphatic 40-0 victory over Qatar.

The defending champions opened the scoring through flyer Patrick Odongo, who outpaced his marker on the wing to make it 7-0. Although Dennis Abukuse crossed the whitewash shortly after, the try was ruled out due to an infringement.

Qatar squad in Nepal for Asian seven. PHOTO/Qatar 7s

Shujaa regrouped quickly, with George Ooro going over to extend the lead to 14-0. Just before halftime, Benson Salem burst through the defence to give Shujaa a commanding 19-0 lead.

In the second half, Brian Mutua added a fourth try. Substitutes Felix Okoth and Gabriel Ayimba then made an instant impact, both getting on the scoreboard. Okoth completed his brace with a centre-post try, converted by Salem, sealing a comprehensive 40-0 victory.

Morans bounce back

Kenya Morans picked up their first win of the tournament, defeating Kenya Harlequins 14-0.

Harlequin came into the game with one win and one loss from Day 1, while the Morans were eager to bounce back from their earlier defeat to Red Wailers.

The Morans opened the scoring through a well-executed move off a scrum, with Harmony Wamalwa setting up Brian Ondego for the opening try, converted for a 7-0 lead.

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The game remained tight, with Wamalwa attempting a cross-kick late in the half, but Floyd Wabwire’s knock-on denied Morans a chance to score.

In the second half, Wamalwa broke through the Quins’ defence to score a centre-post try, which was converted to secure a 14-0 win. Despite a late sin bin, the Morans held on to the victory.

Shogun stay Perfect

Shogun, coached by Mike Friday, continued their winning run with a 12-7 victory over Uganda, moving closer to the knockout stages.

Shogun scored two tries in the first half, both courtesy of Jean Jacques Van Schalkwyk. He sprinted to the left corner for the first try and sold a dummy off a ruck to score the second, which was converted for a 12-0 lead at halftime.

Uganda responded in the second half with a converted try, but it came too late to stop Shogun from sealing their third win of the tournament.

Zimbabwe Cheetahs stayed unbeaten, defeating Lions Rugby 19-7 in their second match of the day.

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

Zimbabwe were off to a fast start, with Carlos Matematema scoring the opening try. They held the Lions at bay until the final moments of the first half when David Chimbukulu went over to give Zimbabwe a 7-0 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Cheetahs added two more tries to secure a 19-7 victory and maintain their perfect record in the tournament.