WORLD SEVENS SERIES

Wekesa bags a brace as Kenya 7s rally to beat Portugal in thrilling comeback

Kenya 7s forward Kevin Wekesa in Challenger Series. PHOTO/Rugby Afrique

Kenya 7s, popularly known as Shujaa, returned to winning ways with a spirited 26-14 comeback victory over Portugal in their second group stage match at Dignity Park Pitch B.

The win was a crucial response after a narrow 19-12 loss to Samoa in their opening match of the competition. Samoa, a team that has spent the season in the Challenger Series, edged out Shujaa in a tightly contested encounter.

Kenya 7s chase

Facing yet another Challenger Series side in Portugal, Shujaa were determined to reignite their top-four hopes and avoid an early exit.

Portugal started the match stronger, dominating possession and territory in the first half. Their pressure paid off when Duarte Morais broke through the Kenyan defense to score the opening try, which was converted for a 7-0 lead.

Kenya turned things around in the second half. Kevin Wekesa ignited the comeback with a powerful run to score the first try, converted by Anthony Omondi to level the scores at 7-7.

Wekesa then completed his brace after being set up by Samuel Asati, with Omondi again adding the extras to put Shujaa ahead 14-7.

In the 12th minute, Nygel Amaitsa broke free to score Kenya’s third try, which he converted himself. The try took Amaitsa’s weekend tally to three and extended Kenya’s lead to 21-7.

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Patrick Odongo Okong’o, who is in contention for the top try scorer title this season, sealed the win with Shujaa’s fourth try—his 21st of the season. Omondi missed the conversion, but Kenya were firmly in control at 26-7.

Portugal’s Max Coutts managed a late consolation try, but it wasn’t enough to threaten Kenya’s lead, with the final score reading 26-14 in favor of Shujaa.

With the win, Kenya now move to four points, level with Samoa, while USA top the group with six points.

Kevin Wambua’s side will face hosts USA in their final group stage match at 9:20 p.m. EAT as they aim to book a place in the knockout rounds.

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