Kenya Sevens edge Australia in Los Angeles Sevens opener
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Feb 25, 2023
Kenya Sevens kicked off their Los Angeles Sevens redemption haunt on the front foot after coming from behind to defeat Australia 12-7 in their Group C opener match on Saturday evening.
Tim Clements gave Australia the lead in the third minute after capitalizing on Kenya's mistake when Alvin Otieno was penalized for failing to release the ball after a tackle. Stuart Dunbar converted the twos as the Aussies led 7-0.
However, Shujaa would bounce back through Dennis Abukuse who benefited from a world-class liftoff by Kevin Wekesa, a try that was converted by Anthony Omondi who tied the scores at 7-7 at the break.
In the final half, good possession retaining by Shujaa saw Abukuse who features for Menengai Oilers in the Kenya Cup beat two Australian defenders to touch down near the posts.
Substitute Daniel Taabu missed the conversion as Kenya narrowly led 12-7. Good defensive work and ball retention saw Shujaa keep possession for the remainder two minutes, holding on to win.
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Speaking after the game, Shujaa captain Nelson Oyoo said they are shifting their focus to the final two games.
"We played well today. We did not give up after going behind and I believe we retained the ball and possession well, a factor that helped us win the game. On to the next,' said Oyoo.
Kenya will play Fiji next at 1.18am before finishing off with Japana at 4.31am on Sunday early morning.