Safari 7s

Shujaa eliminate Morans to reach third successive Safari 7s final

By Luvisia Amanga

Posted on October 13, 2024

Shujaa's Brain Mutugi scores in Safari 7S. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma.

Shujaa are on track to claim their third consecutive Safari 7s title after narrowly defeating Kenya Morans 21-19 in the semi-finals at Machakos Stadium on Sunday.

This victory sets up a second straight final between the two sides, following last year’s 19-0 win by Shujaa.

Shujaa stage comeback in Safari 7s

The Morans started strong, with Festus Shiasi bulldozing over the line to open the scoring for a 5-0 lead. However, Shujaa responded quickly as Benson Salem found space after a switch in play and sprinted clear for a try, converted by Dennis Abukuse, to put them ahead 7-5.

Festus Shiasi and Denis Abukuse contest in Safari 7S. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

Shujaa extended their lead when Brian Mutugi spotted a gap on the outside and ran in another try, giving them a 14-5 advantage at halftime.

In the second half, Brian Mutua added to Shujaa’s tally, cutting inside and scoring near the posts to push the lead to 21-7. The Morans rallied, with Mike Wekessa brilliantly latching onto his grubber kick to score, making it 21-12.

The match tightened further when Floydd Wabwire crossed the try line, and the successful conversion narrowed the gap to 21-19. However, Shujaa held on to secure their place in the final.

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In the other semi-final, Shogun Rugby were in fine form, overpowering the Zimbabwe Cheetahs 34-14 to secure a place in the final.

Mervano Da Silva opened the scoring for Shogun after a turnover, giving them a 5-0 lead. Noah Canepa soon added to the tally with a blistering run after beating his marker, and the conversion made it 12-0.

Da Silva struck again, capitalizing on a loose ball from a missed kick-off to extend the lead. Canepa added his second try, finding space on the outside, pushing the halftime score to 22-0.

After the break, Alexandre Odinga got Zimbabwe on the board with a try, bringing the score to 22-7. Dion Kumalo gave Zimbabwe hope with a try on the left wing, reducing the deficit.

Brian Ondego releases the ball in Safari 7S. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

However, Shogun responded decisively. Canepa received an offload at pace, sprinting clear to score a converted try under the posts, making it 34-7. Zimbabwe managed a late consolation try, but it was too little, too late, as Shogun secured a dominant 34-14 win.