Kenya 7s suffer late heartbreak against South Africa in Hong Kong SVNS World Championship quarters

South Africa piled early pressure on Kenya, forcing a scrum deep inside Shujaa’s 22. Selvyn Davids sniped off the base to score under the posts for a 7–0 lead.

Kenya 7s response

Shujaa responded with smart kicks in behind the defence, earning a penalty which they opted to turn into a scrum. From the set-piece, the ball was worked wide to John Okoth, who crossed for Kenya’s opening try.

Kenya then took the lead for the first time when Denis Abukuse broke through the defence and raced clear for a converted try, handing Shujaa a 12–7 advantage.

However, momentum shifted when Vincent Onyala was sent to the sin bin for contact in the air. South Africa capitalised immediately, with Donavan Don crossing over to give them a 14–12 lead at halftime.

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In the second half, Kenya regained control as Samuel Asati released Kevin Wekesa for a try, restoring a 17–14 lead. Shujaa then gained further advantage when Davids was yellow-carded.

From a scrum, Asati picked from the base and fed Festus Shiashi, who powered over to extend Kenya’s lead to 22–14.

South Africa responded through a well-executed kick-and-chase, with Quewin Nortje grounding the ball to narrow the deficit to 22–21.

With time running out, South Africa executed a perfectly timed restart, regained possession, and forced multiple penalties. Substitute Siviwe Soyizwapi eventually dived over for the decisive try, sealing a 26–22 victory and breaking Kenyan hearts.