April 17, 2025

Shujaa Defeat France to Reach Singapore 7s Semifinals

Shujaa Defeat France to Reach Singapore 7s Semifinals
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Shujaa’s semifinal opponent will be Spain, who they will face on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:34 AM EAT at the Singapore National Stadium.

Kenya's men’s rugby 7s team, Shujaa, earlier on today secured a spot in the HSBC Singapore Sevens Cup semi finals, marking their first appearance in this stage since their return to the World Series for the 2024/25 season. The team topped Pool B with impressive wins over Ireland and France, triumphing 17-7 and 10-7 respectively.

Shujaa kicked off their campaign with a strong performance against Ireland in the opening match of the competition. Nygel Amaitsa’s early try and conversion put Kenya 7-0 up within the first two minutes. Kevin Wekesa added another try in the sixth minute to extend the lead to 12-0 by halftime. In the second half, Patrick Odongo crossed the try line in the 12th minute to take the score to 17-0. Ireland responded with a late try from Josh Costello, but the match ended 17-7 in Shujaa's favor.

In their second pool match, Shujaa faced the Olympic gold medalists, France. Vincent Onyala gave Kenya the lead in the third minute with a try, while Amaitsa’s conversion made it 7-0 going into the break. France quickly leveled the score after halftime through a try by Quere Kabaka and a conversion from Enahemo Artaud.

With the game hanging in the balance in the final minutes, Shujaa was awarded a penalty 40 meters out. Amaitsa confidently stepped up and, with nerves of steel, nailed the penalty kick, securing a narrow 10-7 victory for Kenya and earning them a spot in the semifinals.

Shujaa’s semifinal opponent will be Spain, who they will face on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 9:34 AM EAT at the Singapore National Stadium. After their remarkable journey to the semifinals, the Kenyan side will be looking to continue their impressive form and secure a spot in the final.