Kenya Sevens national team, Shujaa, kicked off their Hong Kong 7s campaign in spectacular fashion, securing an emphatic 19-0 victory over Spain in their opening pool match at the Kai Tak Stadium on Friday, March 28. The stunning win not only boosted Kenya’s confidence but also served as sweet revenge after their previous loss to Spain in Cape Town.
The last encounter between the two teams saw Spain claim a 14-7 victory over Kenya during the Cape Town 7s. However, Shujaa entered the Hong Kong 7s with renewed determination and focus, ready to set the record straight and start their campaign on a high note.
Kenya’s Defensive Resilience Sets the Tone
From the opening whistle, Kenya made their intentions clear with a high-intensity approach. Despite losing an early lineout, Shujaa refused to allow the setback to dictate the pace of the game. Spain, the Dubai Sevens silver medalists, looked to capitalize on their possession in the opening minutes, but Kenya’s defensive resilience proved impenetrable.
Dennis Abukuse delivered a crucial tackle early in the match, preventing Spain from gaining any momentum and setting the tone for a dominant defensive performance throughout the game. Spain struggled to find gaps in Kenya’s solid defense, which remained composed and disciplined under pressure.
Patrick Odongo’s Brilliant Try Breaks the Deadlock
Kenya’s persistence paid off when speedster Patrick Odongo capitalized on Spain’s defensive lapse, bursting through their line with electrifying pace. Odongo left his Spanish markers behind to score the opening try of the match, giving Shujaa a well-deserved lead.
The try served as a confidence boost for the Kenyan team, energizing both the players and fans alike. Kenya’s relentless attack continued to put Spain under immense pressure, forcing errors and creating opportunities.
George Ooro Extends Kenya’s Lead
Building on their early success, Kenya maintained their attacking momentum, showcasing impressive scrum dominance and quick ball movement. This well-coordinated team effort led to George Ooro scoring Kenya’s second try, which was successfully converted to extend the lead to 12-0 before halftime.
Spain’s attempts to respond were consistently thwarted by Kenya’s disciplined defensive line. Every Spanish attack was met with fierce resistance, with Kenyan players making critical tackles and forcing errors.
Second Half: Shujaa’s Ruthless Finish
Entering the second half with a 12-0 lead, Kenya showed no signs of complacency. Instead, they returned to the pitch with even more determination to secure a commanding victory.
Ooro’s physicality continued to disrupt Spain’s gameplay, forcing their opponents into touch and regaining possession for Kenya. Moments later, Samuel Asati delivered the final blow to Spain’s hopes of a comeback, catching their defense off guard and darting over the line for Kenya’s third try.
The successful conversion took the score to 19-0, leaving Spain with a mountain to climb. Despite their efforts to find a way back into the game, Spain’s mistakes and lack of creativity proved costly.
✅ First W in the bag!
Onto the next challenge—Great Britain at 9:23 AM EAT! #Shujaa #SportpesaNaShujaa #MpesaPowersKenya7s #SafaricomRugby #CrownPaintsShujaa pic.twitter.com/0l1h967k1x— Shujaa (@KenyaSevens) March 28, 2025
Impressive Defense Keeps Spain Scoreless
Kenya’s defense remained impenetrable throughout the match, denying Spain any chance of scoring. The well-organized defensive structure and timely tackles were a testament to Shujaa’s tactical preparation and execution.
Spain’s frustration grew as they repeatedly failed to break down Kenya’s solid defense. Every attack was met with resilience and precision from the Kenyan players, who remained calm and composed under pressure.
The commentator summed up Kenya’s impressive display perfectly, stating, “This is probably the best performance we have seen from Kenya so far.” The clean sheet was a testament to Kenya’s hard work and determination to start their Hong Kong 7s journey on a high note.
Revenge Complete, Focus Shifts to Great Britain
With the perfect revenge mission against Spain complete, Kenya now shifts its focus to the next pool match against Great Britain, scheduled for 9:23 AM.
The British side heads into the clash with momentum of their own, having narrowly defeated France 12-7 in their opening pool match. The encounter between Kenya and Great Britain promises to be an exciting and closely contested affair, as both teams will be eager to secure another win to enhance their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Kenya’s confidence is undoubtedly high following their dominant performance against Spain. However, they will need to maintain their focus and consistency against a formidable Great Britain side that boasts experienced and talented players.
Shujaa’s fans will be hoping that their team can replicate their defensive brilliance and attacking prowess as they prepare for the crucial match. The Hong Kong 7s tournament continues to deliver thrilling action, and Kenya’s remarkable performance against Spain is a testament to their determination to make a mark on the global stage.
As Shujaa prepares for their next challenge, all eyes will be on their encounter with Great Britain, where they will look to build on their stunning victory and strengthen their campaign.
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