Shujaa beat Portugal and USA in Madrid 7s

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.