Paris 2024: Shujaa fall to Argentina in Olympics opener

Samwel Asati (L) and Patrick Odongo of Kenya Sevens in action against Argentina.[Courtesy]

Kenya Sevens began their Paris Olympics campaign on a challenging note, succumbing to a 31-12 defeat against Argentina at the Stade de France on Wednesday.

Despite a promising start, Shujaa struggled to maintain momentum and were outplayed by the South Americans in the second half.

The match commenced on a high note for Kenya, with Chrisant Ojwang breaking the deadlock in the fifth minute.

Ojwang turned the Argentinian defense inside out at the middle of the field, capitalizing on a well-timed offload from Anthony Omondi. Omondi then added the extras, stretching Kenya's lead to 7-0.

Argentina quickly responded through Agustin Fraga, who went over for an unconverted try, narrowing Kenya's lead to 7-5 by halftime.

The second half saw Argentina strike back immediately from Kenya's kick-off. Fraga went over for his second try of the match, and Pellandini Joaquin converted to give Argentina a 12-7 lead.

Shujaa, however, responded with determination. Captain Vincent Onyala intercepted an Argentinian pass, offloading to Patrick Odongo. Odongo then passed to Kevin Wekesa, who scored an unconverted try, tying the scores at 12-12.

The game's intensity escalated as Argentina regained the lead. Elizalde Tomas ran in to dot Argentina's third try, with Pellandini converting for a 19-12 advantage.

Substitutes Luciano Gonzalez and Marcos Moneta further extended Argentina's lead with tries, the latter scoring an unconverted corner post try to seal a 31-12 victory.

Kenya's performance was hindered by poor kick-off strategies and an inability to win aerial possessions. Argentina dominated in the air, consistently regaining possession from kick-offs.

Additionally, Kenya's ruck play was subpar, allowing the South Americans to overpower and turnover possession at critical moments.

The tournament format divides teams into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advance to the quarterfinals.

Winners of the quarterfinals move on to the semifinals, while the losers will compete in a match for third place.

Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will play in a mini-tournament for 5th to 8th places. The worst third-placed team and the last three teams in the group face off in the 9th to 12th place matches.

Kenya is in Group B, alongside Australia, Samoa, and Argentina. Australia kicked off their campaign with a 21-14 win over Samoa. Other groups include Fiji, France, USA, and Uruguay in Group C, while Group A comprises New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Japan.