Kenya Sevens overcome Tonga to sail through to Challenger Series quarters

Shujaa's Nygel Amaitsa (center) in action against Georgia.[World Rugby]

Kenya Sevens are through to the quarterfinals of the second leg of the World Rugby Challenger Series currently ongoing in Montevideo in Uruguay.

Shujaa who were bottom of Group A after mixed results in their opening two matches needed to win their final match against Tonga to be sure of qualifying for the quarterfinals.

Kenya had begun the tournament with a comeback 19-12 win over Portugal before shockingly being run over 17-0 by Georgia.

In the final preliminary game, Shujaa came through and secured a crucial 17-14 win over Tonga and thus qualify for the quarters.

Menengai Oilers star John Okoth dashed past Tonga’s defence to score a center-post try that Tony Omondi successfully converted, giving Kenya  a 7-0 lead.

Shujaa extended their lead when Kabras Sugar winger Lameck Ambetsa broke through on the right wing and offloaded to Nygel Amaitsa, who set up Omondi for a try at the right corner.

Tonga managed to narrow the gap just before halftime after a series of penalties, with Siaosi Huihui powering through for a converted try as Kenya led 12-7.

After the break, Tonga capitalized on Kenya’s defensive lapse to take a 14-12 lead.

However, Shujaa had the last laugh again as Nygel Amaitsa scored Kenya’s winner for a 17-12.

However, Kenya responded with a crucial try from Amaitsa, who dove over the try line after Benson Salem set him up with a well-executed switch in play.

Kenya finished second in the pool with six points, behind Portugal.

Shujaa will play Uganda in the quarterfinals.