Shujaa thump Chile as Lionesses lose to Japan at Dubai 7s

FILE: Kenya's Willy Ambaka scores a try during a HSBC Paris Sevens Series rugby match between Kenya and Portugal at the Stade Jean Bouin in Paris on May 13, 2016. [ AFP PHOTO]

The Kenya national men's rugby Sevens team Shujaa got off to a bright start at the 2021 Emirates Dubai Invitational Sevens tournament after coming from behind to thrash Chile 39-7 in a match staged at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Despite falling behind in the opening minutes of the match, Nelson Oyoo, Willy Ambaka, Harold Anduvate, Jeff Oluoch, Johnstone Olindi and Jacob Ojee tries ensured Kenya kick-started their Dubai campaign with a win in Pool Blue.

The South Americans took an early 7-0 lead in the opening two minutes of the match before Kenya responded with an unconverted try after Oyoo outpaced the Chilean defense to score at the corner off Tony Omondi’s offload.

Willy Ambaka ensured Kenya went to the break with a comfortable 17-7 lead after crossing over the whitewash twice.

Jeff Oluoch landed Kenya’s fourth try immediately after the restart before Johnstone Olindi made it five tries for innocent Simiyu’s men after pouncing on a loose ball.

Jacob Ojee and Harold Anduvate came off the bench to seal Kenya’s first win at the Dubai tournament used as part of the Tokyo Olympics Preparations.

In other pool blue matches, France defeated Spain 21-17 to go level on points with Kenya ahead of their battle with the East African rugby giants later in the afternoon at 2.44 pm East African time.

In Pool Red, Madrid Sevens champions Argentine held off a resilient Ugandan side with a thrilling 38-14 comeback win over the Africans. Canada thrashed Japan 45-21 to go level with Argentina.

In the women’s category, Kenya Lionesses started their campaign on a low after losing 19-14 to Japan.

The Asian caught the East African napping in the first half after taking a commanding 12-0 lead at the break before Japan sealed their win in the second half despite Kenya’s attempting a comeback with two quick late tries.

Other matches saw USA edge out France 22-14, Canada defeated Brazil 36-14 and France 1 edge France 2 21-10. France had two teams entered in the women’s category.

More matches are expected in the afternoon and evening

Dubai 7s Morning Results

Men

Pool Blue

Kenya 39-7 Chile

France 21-17 Spain

Pool Red

Argentina 38-14 Uganda

Canada 45-21 Japan

Women

Kenya 14-19 Japan

USA 22-14 France 1

France 1 21-10 France 2