NEWS

Shujaa, Shogun and Zimbabwe sail to Safari 7s semis; exciting pairings confirmed

By Amanga collins

Posted on October 13, 2024

Andrew Odhiambo in action against Shujaa. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

The Safari 7s semi-final lineup is now set, with Shujaa facing off against Kenya Morans in a highly anticipated clash at Machakos Stadium.

In the first semi-final, Shogun Rugby will take on Zimbabwe Cheetahs. Meanwhile, Kenya Harlequin, Lions Rugby, Uganda, and Kenya Varsity Select will compete in the fifth-place playoffs.

Shujaa in Safari 7s semis

Shujaa advanced to the semi-finals after staging a thrilling 27-12 comeback win over Uganda in an East African derby. Despite winning all four group-stage matches, Shujaa initially found themselves trailing.

Kenya Morans in action against Lions. PHOTO/Mahlon Lichuma

Uganda struck first through a Kenyan forward Andrew Odhiambo currently playing in Uganda, diving over in the corner for a 5-0 lead. Shujaa responded swiftly on the left flank, with William Mwanji powering over to level the score at 5-5.

Shujaa took the lead when Benson Salem spotted a gap and raced down the outside to make it 10-5 at halftime. In the second half, Salem added a second try with a 40-meter burst through the middle, though he missed the conversion.

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Samuel Asati extended the lead with a scrum-pick try under the posts, converted by Dennis Abukuse. Although Uganda’s Daniel Otim pulled one back, Abukuse’s pace sealed the win for Shujaa with another try, securing a 27-12 victory.

Morans

Kenya Morans fought hard to defeat Lions Rugby 19-17. Lions struck first through Obat Kuke, but Morans responded with offloads that set up Brian Ondego for a converted try and a 7-5 lead.

Harmony Wamalwa added a second converted try, extending the lead to 14-5. In the second half, Fletcher Carpenter pulled Lions closer at 14-10. However, Ondego’s second try pushed the score to 19-10. A late try by Israel Kalumba for Lions brought the game to 19-17, but the final whistle blew after the conversion attempt.

Shogun in semis

Shogun Rugby kept their hopes alive with a 31-14 win over Kenya Varsity Select. Cole Swannack opened the scoring with a converted try for a 7-0 lead, followed by Alexandre Odinga, who pushed the score to 12-0.

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

Angel Bozal then dived into the corner for a try confirmed after consultation with the assistant referee. Varsity Select responded just before halftime through Victor Omupere and struck first after the break with Fidel Chimwani, narrowing the gap to five points.

However, Bozal’s second-half break restored Shogun’s dominance, and Noah Canepa scored after the hooter, sealing a 31-14 win.

Zimbabwe see Off Harlequins

Zimbabwe Cheetahs overcame a halftime deficit to beat Kenya Harlequins. Quins led 10-7 at the break after tries from Leeon Nyang and Charles Kinyajui, following a brilliant response to Trevo Gurwe’s opening try for Zimbabwe.

In the second half, Zimbabwe took control, with Moyo Kholwani scoring off an offload from Gurwe. Tapiwa Malenga extended the lead to 17-10, and Carlos Matematema sealed the win with a try in the corner.