For the first time since their promotion, Kenya 7s (Shujaa) have booked a spot in the Singapore 7s semifinals, edging out France 10-7 in a tightly contested clash at the Singapore National Stadium.
The win was especially significant, ending a seven-match losing streak against France—a run that stretched back to 2022 in Toulouse.
Kenya 7s chasing revenge
Shujaa came into the encounter with revenge on their minds, having narrowly lost to France last weekend, a result that denied them a quarterfinal berth. With a semifinal spot on the line, they came out firing.
Vincent Onyala opened the scoring for Shujaa, diving over after a quick start and giving the side a 7-0 lead, with Nygel Amaitsa adding the extras.
Shujaa thought they had doubled their lead when George Ooro Angeyo crossed over, but the try was ruled out after Kevin Wekesa’s pass from a Samuel Asati offload was deemed forward.
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France responded with a try from Joe Quere Karaba, and Enahemo Artaud converted to level the scores at 7-7 in the ninth minute.
With the clock winding down and the game in the balance, Shujaa held their nerve. A last-minute penalty provided an opportunity, and Nygel Amaitsa calmly slotted it home to seal the 10-7 victory.
The win not only sends Kenya into the semis for the first time this season, but also gives them a shot at replicating the historic feat of 3227 days ago, when they famously won the Singapore 7s title in 2016.
Shujaa will be keen to finish on a high despite their fave being sealed and headed to relegation and promotion playoffs.
