Kenya 7s Shujaa suffered a narrow 14-10 defeat to the United States in their opening match of the HSBC SVNS 2 second leg at Estadio Charrúa in Montevideo on Saturday, March 21, 2026, despite a strong start that saw them lead early in the contest.
The match marked the second meeting between the two sides this season after the USA ended Kenya’s 27-match winning streak with a 21-5 victory in the Division II opening leg in Nairobi last month.
Shujaa began brightly and struck inside the opening minute when John Ohoth Okeyo crossed over for the first try, though the conversion attempt by Nygel Amaitsa drifted wide to hand Kenya a 5-0 lead.
Moments later, Vincent Onyala added a second try, again unconverted, extending Kenya’s advantage to 10-0 within the opening four minutes.
The USA responded quickly through David Still, whose try converted by Will Chevalier reduced the deficit to three points.
Momentum then shifted before halftime as Orrin Bizer touched down, with Chevalier adding the extras to give the Americans a 14-10 lead at the break.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- List of rugby prospects from high school
- Colman Were keen to redefine Kenyan rugby’s physical edge
- Follow Scrummage Africa on Facebook
- Collins Injera inducted into Fiji Walk of fame
Both teams introduced fresh legs in the second half, with USA bringing on Steve Tomasin, Ben Brosselle and Marcus Tupuola, while Kenya head coach Kevin Wambua responded with changes including Kevin Wekesa, Festus Shiasi, Floyd Wabwire and Dennis Abukuse.
However, neither side managed further points as the Americans held firm to secure victory.
The result leaves Uruguay top of the standings on three points having won 26-7 against Belgium, while Kenya sit fourth after collecting a losing bonus point from the encounter.
Shujaa will now turn attention to their next Pool fixture against canada cheduled for 21:20 EAT
2026 HSBCSVNS2 Second Leg-Montevideo
Saturday, 21 March 2026
Women
- China 19–5 Kenya
- South Africa 14–15 Spain
- Argentina 12–7 Brazil
Men
- Uruguay 26–7 Belgium
- USA 14–10 Kenya
- Germany 21–14 Canada
Saturday, 21 March
Women
- South Africa 38-0 China
- Spain vs Brazil — 20:11
- Argentina vs Kenya— 20:34
Men
- USA vs Uruguay — 20:57
- Kenya vs Canada — 21:20
- Germany vs Belgium — 21:43
Women
- South Africa vs Brazil — 22:36
- Spain vs Kenya — 22:59
- Argentina vs China — 23:22
Men
- USA vs Canada — 23:45
Sunday, 22 March
- Kenya vs Belgium — 00:08
- Germany vs Uruguay — 00:31
Women
- China vs Brazil — 20:00
- South Africa vs Kenya — 20:23
- Argentina vs Spain — 20:46
Men
- USA vs Belgium — 21:09
- Uruguay vs Canada — 21:32
- Germany vs Kenya— 21:55
Women
- Kenya vs Brazil — 22:53
- Spain vs China — 23:16
- Argentina vs South Africa — 23:39
Monday, 23 March
Men
- Belgium vs Canada — 00:02
- Germany vs USA — 00:25
- Kenya vs Uruguay — 00:48
