Shujaa, the Kenyan rugby sevens team, has successfully defended their Safari Sevens title, defeating Kenya Morans 24-5 in an all-Kenyan final at Nyayo National Stadium. The tournament was dominated by Kenyan teams, with the national first team and the developmental Morans side occupying the top two positions. This victory showcases Kenya's depth in rugby sevens, with both teams overcoming international and invitational opposition during the tournament.
The match was a tightly contested affair in the first half, which ended in a stalemate. However, Shujaa raised the tempo after the break, producing four tries to put the contest beyond the reach of their compatriots. Rayvon Ambale crossed the try line immediately after the restart, following a decisive incursion into the Morans' red zone. Ambale converted his own try to hand Shujaa a 7-0 lead.
Shujaa continued to exploit gaps in the Morans' defence, with Victor Mola scoring the team's second try. Mola showcased his pace and elusive footwork, stepping past defenders down the right flank. Ambale added the extras to stretch the advantage to 14-0. Festus Shiasi then dived into the left corner after a quick pass from Nigel Amaitsa to extend the lead to 19-0.
John Okoth subsequently powered his way over the try line, adding another score to put Shujaa firmly in control at 24-0. The Morans, however, refused to finish the contest without a response. They capitalised on a well-executed team move and a series of offloads to cross the try line for a consolation score through their Co-Captain Dennis Ndayala.
The result marked a significant milestone for the Morans, who returned to the Safari Sevens showpiece for the first time since their 2019 title-winning campaign. Despite the loss, the Morans' performance demonstrated their growth and development as a team. Shujaa's triumph also ensured that the defending champions maintained their hold on the prestigious home tournament.
In the women's competition, the Kenya Lionesses also successfully defended their title, defeating Uganda's Lady Cranes 22-5 in the final-round decider. The Lionesses finished with a perfect record of five wins from five matches, collecting 15 points to complete a memorable campaign. This victory ensured Kenya retained both the men's and women's crowns on home soil.
The Safari Sevens tournament showcased Kenya's rugby sevens prowess, with both the men's and women's teams demonstrating their skills and dominance. Shujaa's victory and the Lionesses' perfect record highlighted the country's depth and talent in the sport. The tournament's success will likely contribute to the growth and development of rugby sevens in Kenya.
Key points
- Shujaa successfully defended their Safari Sevens title with a 24-5 victory over Kenya Morans.
- The Kenya Lionesses also defended their title, defeating Uganda's Lady Cranes 22-5 in the women's final.
- The tournament demonstrated Kenya's depth in rugby sevens, with both teams overcoming international and invitational opposition.
