Kenya Morans sparkle early but settle for fourth in Africa 7s campaign
Kenya Morans finished fourth at the 2025 Africa Men’s Sevens after a strong start gave way to narrow defeats in the semifinal and bronze medal playoff. A dominant quarterfinal win over Nigeria highlighted their campaign, but late setbacks against Madagascar and Zimbabwe saw them miss out on a podium finish.
Kenya Morans produced moments of brilliance at the 2025 Africa Men’s Sevens but ultimately fell short of a podium finish, ending the tournament in fourth place after back-to-back narrow losses in the semifinal and bronze playoff.
Their campaign hit its peak in the quarterfinals with a dominant 43-12 win over Nigeria. The Morans set the tone early, with Jackson Siketi slicing through the defense to score and convert his own try. Denis Abukuse quickly added to the tally, and Siketi’s precision from the tee extended the lead to 14-0. Though Nigeria responded with a converted try, Kenya struck again through a clever kick-and-chase finished by Ambetsa, sending them into halftime 19-7 ahead.
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In the second half, the Morans took full control. George Ooro bulldozed through three defenders for a try, and further scores by captain Chrisant Ojwang and Javan Otieno both converted by Siketi saw the lead swell to 38-7. Nigeria managed a consolation try, but Abukuse’s second of the day sealed a comprehensive victory and passage to the semifinals.
Against Madagascar, however, the Morans encountered a tougher challenge. Ojwang gave Kenya an early 5-0 lead with an unconverted try, but Madagascar drew level and then surged ahead with two converted tries one in each half to make it 14-5. Kenya fought back with a late converted try, narrowing the gap to 14-12, but couldn't find a winning score as Madagascar held on to reach the final.
In the bronze medal match against Zimbabwe, the Morans looked poised to finish strong. Ojwang and Abukuse both crossed over in the first half, with Siketi adding one conversion to give Kenya a 12-0 cushion at the break. After Zimbabwe pulled one back, Abukuse responded with his second of the match, again converted by Siketi, to stretch the lead to 19-7.
But Zimbabwe staged a dramatic comeback, scoring two converted tries in quick succession the second arriving in the dying moments to steal a 21-19 victory and deny Kenya a podium place.
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