)
Shujaa will now be facing New Zealand to stand a chance of finishing seventh.
Kenya’s Shujaa finished in sixth place at the Cape Town leg of the HSBC Sevens Series after a 26-14 defeat to Argentina in the 5th-place playoff.
Despite a spirited start, the South Americans rallied to claim victory, leaving the Kenyans to reflect on missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
Shujaa opened the match with a blistering display of pace and precision. Speedster Patrick Odongo set the tone with an electrifying break to score the game’s first try. Nygel Amaitsa’s successful conversion gave Kenya a 7-0 lead.
)
08:20 - 08.12.2024
Cape Town 7s: Shujaa eye 5th place finish in tricky showdown against Argentina
After mixed results on Saturday where they avenged their Dubai 7s loss to Australia but fell to Spain, Shujaa now turn their attention to Argentina for a 5th places scalp.
Moments later, Kevin Wekesa extended the advantage with another clinical try, with Amaitsa once again converting for a commanding 14-0 lead.
However, Argentina struck back decisively. German Schulz ignited the comeback with a try, adding the conversion to cut the deficit.
Matías Osadczuk followed up with a try of his own, and Luciano González’s conversion leveled the scores at 14-14.
Before halftime, Agustín Fraga crossed the line, giving Argentina a 19-14 lead heading into the break.
The second half continued in Argentina’s favor, with Facundo Pueyrredon scoring another try, converted by Tobías Wade, to extend the lead to 26-14.
Despite Shujaa’s attempts to turn the tide, Argentina’s collective effort held firm, stifling any hopes of a Kenyan comeback.
This defeat highlighted Shujaa’s early-game dominance but also underscored their struggles in maintaining momentum and handling Argentina’s counterattacks.
As the HSBC Sevens Series progresses with the next stop being Perth, Australia on January next year, Shujaa will look to build on their strong opening plays while addressing their defensive shortcomings to secure better outcomes.
Shujaa will now be facing one of New Zealand or Great Britain to stand a chance of finishing seventh.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)