Kenya’s Shujaa will look to secure a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Cape Town Sevens with a crucial match against Argentina on Sunday, December 8. This comes after a series of mixed results on the opening day of the tournament, with the team aiming to bounce back from a narrow loss to Spain and cap off a solid performance.
Shujaa’s journey in Cape Town started on a high note, as they avenged their loss to Australia in Dubai with a dramatic 19-12 comeback victory. Australia had initially taken control of the game, dominating the first half and establishing a 12-0 lead with two well-executed tries. At this point, it appeared as though the game was slipping away from Kenya, but Shujaa showed their resilience with a spirited second-half performance. Kevin Wekesa was the catalyst for the comeback, scoring Kenya’s first try and reducing the deficit to 12-7, with Nygel Amaitsa successfully converting the try.
The second half saw Shujaa impose themselves on the game, dominating possession and forcing Australia into defensive errors. A penalty try, awarded after Dennis Abukuse was tackled without the ball, allowed Kenya to edge ahead 14-12. The momentum continued to shift in Kenya’s favor, and George Ooro sealed the victory with a remarkable solo effort. After picking up the ball from a ruck, Ooro sprinted past the Australian defenders to score a try that confirmed the win for Shujaa. The victory was a sweet redemption for the team, following their heavy 31-14 loss to the Australians at the Dubai Sevens the previous weekend.
However, Shujaa’s hopes of advancing to the semifinals were dashed later on Saturday when they faced Spain. In a tight encounter, Kenya fell 14-7 to the Spanish side, which had finished as runners-up at the Dubai Sevens. The loss to Spain meant that Shujaa had no chance of reaching the semifinals, and they were relegated to a fight for fifth place. Despite the setback, the team’s performance against Australia demonstrated their potential and determination, keeping their spirits high for the remaining matches.
The showdown against Argentina on Sunday is critical for Shujaa’s morale. Argentina, a team known for their physicality and tactical discipline, will present a tough challenge. The South Americans have long been a formidable force in the world of rugby sevens, and they will be looking to finish strong after a disappointing first day in Cape Town. Shujaa will need to capitalize on their strengths, including their aggressive defense and attacking flair, to overcome the challenge posed by the Argentinians.
For Shujaa, the match represents more than just a fight for fifth place it is an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and growth as a team. The performance in Cape Town, although mixed, has shown that Kenya has the ability to compete at the highest level. Their win over Australia was a testament to their never-say-die attitude, and the team will look to build on this confidence going into their final match.
Coach Kevin Wambua will undoubtedly have emphasized the need for tactical discipline and teamwork as Shujaa face Argentina. The team will have to stay composed and take advantage of any opportunities that arise. The match is likely to be a closely contested affair, with both teams eager to finish the tournament on a positive note.
A win against Argentina would provide Shujaa with much-needed confidence and a boost to their standing in the global rankings. It would also serve as a reward for the hard work and commitment shown by the players throughout the tournament. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the semifinals, the Kenyan side can take pride in their resilience and the quality of their performances in Cape Town.
The clash with Argentina will be a test of Shujaa’s character, as they aim to end the tournament on a high note and build momentum for future competitions. A fifth-place finish would be a positive way to round off what has been a promising campaign, and it would send the team into the rest of the season with renewed confidence and determination.
