Shujaa stage comeback, beat South Africa in Rugby Africa 7s

Kenyan rugby sevens star Collins Injera in a past match. [File, The Standard]

Kenya Sevens on Friday afternoon rallied from behind to defeat hosts South Africa (2) 19-12 to register their second consecutive win in the final leg of the Rugby Africa Solidarity sevens friendly tournament played at Stellenbosch in South Africa.

Collins Injera, Vincent Onyala and Alvin Otieno tries ensured Shujaa bagged their second win of the day after previously brushing off Zimbabwe 28-12 in the opening match.

The hosts were first to strike after taking an early 7-0 lead before talisman Injera got off his mark by scoring his first try of the tournament to tie the scores at 7-7.

South Africa 2 would, however, silence Injera’s heroic moments later with their second try of the match to take a narrow 12-7 lead at the break.

Kenya came back stronger after the restart both defensively and offensively.

First, Daniel Taabu made a try-saving tackle which saw them regain possession before proceeding to assist Onyala who raced past his markers to score between the sticks to retake the lead with 14-12 scoreline.

Alvin Otieno would then seal the win for Kenya after exchanging passes with substitute Bush Mwale from the left wing, beating three defenders to seal a hard-fought 19-12 win over the hosts.

Kenya will face South Africa 1 in their final fixture of the day at 3pm East Africa time.

Earlier on, Alvin Otieno bagged a brace as Kenya Sevens thrashed Zimbabwe 28-12.

Friday Results

Kenya 28-12 Zimbabwe

Kenya 19-12 South Africa 2

Kenya Sevens' player Vincent Onyala in action against Chile at Dubai 7s. [Courtesy-Dubai 7s]