Germany hand Shujaa first defeat under Kevin Wambua in Dubai Challenger Series

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RUGBY Germany hand Shujaa first defeat under Kevin Wambua in Dubai Challenger Series

Joel Omotto 14:30 - 13.01.2024

Kenya Sevens received a wakeup call when Germany beat them with ease in their final group game of the opening 2024 Challenger Series in Dubai.

Kenya Sevens received a reality check when they lost 24-12 to Germany in their final group match at the 2024 Challenger Series in Dubai on Saturday.

Even though both teams had already qualified for the cup quarter-finals, after winning their opening two games, the contest was to determine who finished top in Group C and the Germans looked the hungrier side.

Kenya got off to a bad start when Kevin Wekesa was sin-binned for a dangerous tackle and Germany took full advantage to score their first try.

Soon after, Shujaa were back to their full complement when Wekesa returned to action and they benefited from a try, Patrick Odongo showing great pace to score before Anthony Omondi converted for 7-5 in favour of Kenya at halftime.

After the break, it was all Germany as they dominated Kenya with their good kicks, powerful carries, dummies and wide play, laying bare the gulf in class between the two teams.

Shujaa were easily picked apart with by Tim Litchtenberg who scored two quick tries for Germany, one converted, but Odongo gave Kevin Wambua’s men some hope with his second of the day to reduce the arrears.

Litchtenberg crossed the line yet again to seal his second-half hat-trick, the try being converted, to hand Germany the 24-12 win which saw them top the group.

It was a wakeup call for Kenya, who had only conceded one try on Friday, and it means Wambua’s charges will have to be at their best in the quarter-finals later on Saturday to keep alive their dream of winning the first round.

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