Shujaa players hurdle before their Tusker Safari Sevens 2019 tournament match against Samurai at RFUEA Grounds on October 20, 2019. Shujaa won 19-14. [Photo/Stafford Ondego/www.sportpicha.com]

Tony Omondi scored a try and converted three more as Kenya 7s edged out Portugal 26-12 to kick start the Madrid 7s second leg on a high note yesterday in Spain.

Jacob Ojee, Alvin Otieno and Billy Odhiambo all crossed the whitewash as Shujaa completed a double over Portugal after previously thrashing them 36-5 last weekend.

Unlike last weekend’s contest which was largely one sided, today’s match started on a low after the Portuguese took the lead in the opening minute.

Kenya responded immediately after Odhiambo touched down between the sticks for a try that was converted by Tony Omondi to tie the scores at 7-7.

Shujaa would then take the lead minute later after captain Nelson Oyoo released Alvin Otieno with a perfect offload and the latter strolling to the try line for Kenya’s second try to lead 14-7 at the break.

Shujaa forward Alvin Otieno plays a pass during training at the RFUEA grounds ahead of the Los Angeles and Vancouver Sevens. Feb 20, 2020. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In the second half, Vincent Onyala set up Ojee for Kenya’s third try before Tony Omondi added a conversion to his own try to give Kenya a comfortable 26-7 advantage.

A late try by the Portuguese could not affect the results as Kenya registered their second successive win over their rivals.

In the second match, Shujaa edged out USA 29-12 to make it two wins in a row at the invitational event. 

Willy Ambaka and Onyala touched down for Shujaa in the opening half for a 14-12 lead at the break before Daniel Taabu and Alvin Otieno sealed the deal for Kenya in the second half for a 29-12 win. 

Kenya finished second to Argentina last weekend during the Madrid 7s first leg as Lionesses finished fifth.