Shujaa eliminated from Dubai 7s Main Cup

Kenya Shujaa's Timothy Mmasi is blocked from the ball by Samuel Ekpo and Jeremia Peter, with ball, of St 7s Nigeria during the 23rd Edition 2021 Safari 7s tournament at The Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, Oct 31, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Kenya Sevens have been knocked out of the Dubai Sevens Main Cup after losing 19-5 to tow-time Olympic champions Fiji in the quarter-final match played at the Sevens Stadium. 

Innocent Simiyu’s charges led 5-0 after four minutes but Fiji however proved superior staging a comeback to win the match.

Kenya started off well and dominated the possession in the early opening minutes of the match that saw Herman Humwa cross over the white wash for the first try which they failed to convert from close range.

However, Fiji struck back with tries from Joseva Talacalo and Filipe Sauturaga converted by Waisea Nacuqu to enjoy a 14-5 half-time lead.

There was no coming back for Kenya after the break as Fiji dominated play, adding the third try through Panapasa Qeruqeru.

Kenya now drops to rankings matches for positions five to eight where they meet Great Britain at 1.51pm in one of the semi-finals, with the winner playing either Ireland or Australia in the fifth place final.  

Elsewhere Argentina edged Ireland 17-12 in sudden death to qualify for the quarters while South Africa defeated Australia 29-5 and USA edging Great Britain 35-17 to sail through.

Argentina will play series defending champions South Africa in the first main semi-final at 1.18pm before Fiji tackles USA at 1.40pm.  

Cup Semi Finals (Timings in EAT)

Argentina V South Africa – 1:18 PM

USA V Fiji – 1:40 PM

5TH PLACE SEMI FINAL

Ireland V Australia – 12:29 PM

Great Britain V Kenya 7s- 12:51 PM

9th Place Semi-Final

Spain V Canada– 11:01 AM

 France V Japan – 11:23 AM

Dubai 7s Quarters

Argentina 17-12 Ireland

South Africa 29-5 Australia

USA 35-17 Great Britain

Fiji 19-5 Kenya 7s