Odongo and Wekesa star as Kenya Sevens hit Mexico in Challenger Series

Shujaa's Brian Tanga (center) in action against Mexico.[World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens began the World Rugby Challenger Series on the front foot after thrashing Mexico 41-0 at The Sevens Stadium on Friday.

Patrick Odongo and Kevin Wekesa scored a brace each as Shujaa continued with their impressive run after their disappointing performance in the 2023 World 7s Series, where they were relegated.

Kenya has been in an impressive form before this event, having secured victories in two tournaments, winning the Africa Men’s Sevens to qualify for the Paris Olympics and Safari Sevens.

In the match, Wekesa touched down at the right corner post to give Shujaa a 5-0 lead after a missed conversion.

A minute later, Wekesa showcased his strength, powering through two defenders to land his second try at the same spot to lead 10-0. Tony Omondi missed the conversion again.

Nygel Amaitsa would then showcase that Kenya not only has strength but also skills after dancing his way to the try line near the posts with a pair of dummies and step overs fir a 17-0 lead.

Africa Sevens MVP Patrick Odongo would then announce his arrival at the global stage after ensuring Shujaa had a comfortable 22-0 half time lead.

In the final half, Odongo demonstrated his pace and agility after breaking from a crowded midfield to score between the posts and take the scores to 29-0.

Vincent Onyala and John Okoth joined in on the scoresheet with tries that handed them huge victory. Kenya 7s will be in action on Friday evening for their second game against Uganda.

The HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 will take place in three rounds on three continents between January and May, providing a clear promotion pathway to reach the pinnacle of World Rugby Sevens Series in 2025.

The top four placed men’s and women’s World Rugby HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024 teams, based on cumulative series points after the third round, will secure their opportunity to compete in the new high-stakes promotion and relegation play-off competition at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid on 31 May – 2 June 2024 against the teams ranked ninth to 12^th from HSBC SVNS 2024.