Shujaa, Lionesses dominate Safari Sevens

Kenya Shujaa's Patrick Odongo (left) play against South Africa Allstars 7s' Adam Mahhari during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Shujaa kicked off their 2023 Safari Sevens title defense on a high note after qualifying for the knockout of the two-day event ongoing at the RFUEA Ground in Nairobi on Saturday.

The 2023 Africa Sevens champions who will be using this tournament as one of their preparation test matches for the Paris Olympics set for next got off to a perfect start in Group A after picking a convincing 36-0 victory against South Africa All-Stars.

Rising star Patrick Odongo and captain Vincent Onyala each bagged a barce before Kevin Wekesa, and Brian Mutugi sealed the win.

Shujaa's Captain Vincent Onyala sprint with ball during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament match against South African Allstars at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In the second match, Nygel Amaitsa, Vincent Onyala, and John Okoth went over the white wash as Shujaa stopped arch rivals Uganda 17-5 and book a spot in the knock outs with a game to spare.

Shujaa will be joined by the Ugandans who despite their defeat to the Kevin Wambua charges saw off South Africa All Stars 35-0 and Red Wailers 32-0. Uganda also thrashed Tuks 41-0.

Shujaa's Brian Mutugi and South Africa player during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

“We played well, just had one error which led to the try that we conceded but we showed good composure in coming back and scoring the other try.

We have been polishing on our structures in attack and defence and reinforcing our skillset and so far so good because the team is playing some excellent rugby,” Shujaa head coach Kevin ‘Bling’ Wambua said.

Uganda fans during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In Group B, Kenya Morans showed class and resilience after dispatching Western Province 24-0 and Samurai 14-12. Samurai however bounced back to edge KCB 17-5.

Other results saw Germany hammer KCB 33-17 before they lost 15-12 to Samurai. Red Wailers defeated Tropic Sevens 14-12 before the latter bounced back to win 24-7 against Tuks.

KCB’s first win came when they saw off Western Province 17-7 as South Africa All Stars went down 12-17 to Tropic 7s.

Lionesses' Sinaida Mokaya clear ball from Yvonne Najjuma of TUKS 7s during the 2023 Safari 7s tournament at RFUEA ground on Saturday, Nov 18, 2023. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

In the women’s category, Kenya Lionesses separated themselves from chaff after a commanding show in their round-robin matches.

Lionesses began with a 52-0 win over Tuks before humbling Uganda Lady Cranes 12-5. A local rivalry between Kenya Lionesses and Kenya Cubs ended in the senior team winning 33-7.

Collated Safari Sevens Day 1 Results

Uganda 38-0Tropic 7s

Lionesses 52-0 Tuks

Red Wailers 14-12 Tropic 7s

Uganda 35 - 0 SA All Stars

Morans 24-0 Western Province

SAMURAI 17-5 KCB

Kenya Lionesses 12-5 Uganda

Kenya Shujaa 36-0 SA All stars

Uganda 32-0 Red Wailers

Germany 33-17 KCB

Morans 14-12 SAMURAI

Lionesses 33-7 Cubs

Tropic 7s 24-7 TUKS

Kenya Shujaa 17-5 Uganda