Shujaa lose to USA in second Dubai 7s pool match

Jeff Oluoch of Kenya Sevens in action at Dubai Sevens Series against USA. [Courtesy - World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens suffered their second consecutive defeat at the second leg of the Dubai Sevens Series after a last-minute try by speedster Perry Baker saw them lose 24-21 defeat to USA in the second Pool B match staged at The Sevens Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Shujaa had lost to USA 14-7 during the first leg played last week and were keen to avenge the defeat but that would never come to pass as Mike Friday’s charges proved too fast to stop as they powered their way through to the quarterfinals set for Saturday with a game to spare.

USA started the match on the front foot after taking the lead inside the opening three minutes when their playmaker Kevon Williams beat the Kenyan defense to score a converted try for a 7-0 lead.

Herman Humwa then forced his way to the try-line from a quick penalty to score between the sticks and tie the scores at 7-7 after conversion.

In the final minutes of the half, beautiful interchange between Nelson Oyoo and Billy Odhiambo saw the latter race on for the second that saw them lead 14-7 at halftime.

In the final half, USA came back strong as Williams returned to haunt Kenya again after racing to score an unconverted try and reduce the gap to 14-12.

Steve Tomasin center post try moments later restored USA’s advantage as they led 19-14.

With less than a minute left, Shujaa restored their lead with Oyoo fending off defenders and racing to the try box where he gifted Alvin Marube his first try which was converted for a 21-19 lead.

USA dealt heartbreak to Kenyan fans seconds later after capitalizing on a poor Johnstone Olindi’s deep ball kick which gifted the Americans space and time that saw speedster Baker fend off his two markers to score the try that send USA to the last eight.

Shujaa will now face Canada at 4pm in a must-win match to keep the quarters’ hopes alive.