Resilient Shujaa crowned 2021 Safari sevens winners with win over Germany
Kenya's sevens national team, popularly known as Shujaa have been crowned winners of the 2021 Safari sevens edition staged at the Nyayo National Stadium.
A resilient Shujaa had to put in their best foot forward to see off persistent Germany 12-5 in the cup finals.
KCB fly half Johnstone Olindi sidestepped the charging defence to offload the ball to Alvin Otieno to score under the posts, with Levy Amunga converting the try for a 7-0 lead in favour of Shujaa.
However, Germany would respond immediately through Jack Hunt, who scored at the left corner for a 7-5 scoreline.
With both teams already settled in the game, Shujaa were reduced to six men when Collins Shikoli was sent to the bin for a high tackle, but this didn’t deter the Innocent Simiyu coached side as they put a spirited defence to hold Germany.
Shujaa captain Herman Humwa would lead from the front as he charged towards the German defence but was held near the try line with Olindi picking the ball from the ruck to score.
Fly half Amunga would miss the conversion, but Shujaa held on to win the final 12-5 and be crowned this year’s winners.
In other games, Kenya Moran's had to labour past a spirited Red Wailers 12-5 to scoop third position and claim the bronze medal.
Charles Tendwa scored an early try for Moran's’ with Xavier Bett responding immediately for the Red Wailers in the last play of the first half after a wonderful solo effort from the Saracen's halfback to tie the score for a 5-5 scoreline.
Chrisant Ojwang was sent to the bin for a dangerous tackle as Red Wailers were reduced to 6 men on the field, but Moran's would struggle to capitalize on the one man less advantage.
Moran's would finally get on the scoresheet in the last play after a number of phases through Obat Kuke with Ronny Omondi slotting in the conversion for a 12-5 win.
Kenya U-20 side Chipu missed out on the podium place finish after going down to Spain 33-21.
Kenya Lionesses were victorious 26-0 over Lady Cranes to win the Women’s tournament. Janet Okello scored a brace with Christabel Lindo, Philadelphia, Orlando also on target with Grace Adhiambo booting three conversions.
