Kenya 7s began their World SVNS Series playoff campaign with a 19-12 defeat to Samoa in the opening round at Dignity Park.
Shujaa entered the playoffs aware that even a top-four finish would only secure them a spot in the SVNS Series second division following recent restructuring by World Rugby.
Kenya 7s opponents determination
Their opponents, Samoa, had spent the season in the Challenger Series and were equally determined to secure a place in the revamped second-tier competition. This was the first meeting between the two sides since the France Olympics.
Fresh off a strong showing at the Singapore 7s—where they reached the final against Fiji—Shujaa hoped to carry that momentum into the playoffs. However, Samoa struck first with Owen Niue crossing the line just two minutes in, though Tila Mealoi missed the conversion.
Things worsened for Kenya when former captain Vincent Onyala received a yellow card in the third minute, leaving Shujaa a man down. Samoa capitalized immediately, with Kirisimasi Savaiinaea scoring and Mealoi adding the extras for a 12-0 lead.
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Kenya pulled one back just before the break, with Nygel Pettersan Amaitsa slicing through the defence for a try, which he also converted to make it 12-7 at halftime.
In the second half, Samoa extended their lead through Motu Opetai, with Mealoi converting once again to push the score to 19-7.
Amaitsa added a second try for Kenya after a line break, but Anthony Omondi was unable to convert, leaving the final score at 19-12 in favour of Samoa.
Despite the loss, Shujaa picked up a losing bonus point and will now face Portugal in their next match at 12:51 a.m.
