Shujaa stun Uganda to maintain perfect run in Dubai

Shujaa stars Anthony Omondi (left) and Patrick Odongo share a light moment.[World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens continued their impressive run in the World Rugby Challenger Series, securing a commanding 29-7 victory over Uganda at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai.

This triumph not only upheld Kenya's flawless record in the series but also solidified their spot in the quarterfinals, showcasing their prowess with a match to spare.

The match against Uganda unfolded as a testament to Kenya's quick and well-coordinated play. Nygel Amaitsa emerged as a standout player, making a significant impact by scoring on the left side for his second try of the tournament.

Despite facing intense pressure from his marker, Amaitsa's determination provided Kenya with an early 5-0 lead.

Uganda swiftly responded, with Adrian Kasito scoring and Aaron Ofoywroth successfully converting, momentarily giving them a 7-5 lead.

However, Kenya demonstrated resilience and control before halftime. Patrick Odongo's try, expertly converted, granted them a 12-7 advantage as they headed into the break.

The second half witnessed Kenya further asserting their dominance on the field. Amaitsa, displaying incredible agility, exploited a gap, receiving a precise pass from Samuel Asati and securing a center-post try.

Festus Shiasi, coming off the bench, added to Kenya's tally after a TMO intervention confirmed his score. The team's depth and versatility were evident as they seamlessly integrated substitutions to maintain their momentum.

Kevin Wekesa sealed the victory with a try in his favorite corner, capping off an outstanding performance.

Looking ahead, Kenya 7s is set to face Germany in what promises to be a pivotal Pool decider. The HSBC Sevens Challenger 2024, spanning three rounds on three continents from January to May, presents a clear pathway to the pinnacle event in 2025.

The top four men's and women's teams, based on cumulative series points after the third round, will earn the coveted opportunity to compete in a high-stakes promotion and relegation play-off at the SVNS Grand Final in Madrid from May 31 to June 2, 2024.

This playoff will feature teams ranked ninth to 12th from HSBC SVNS 2024, adding an extra layer of intensity and significance to the competition.