Shujaa secure spot in ninth-place final with dominant display against Ireland
By Rama Mohammed |
Shujaa triumphed over Ireland 21-7 in a spirited performance at the Dubai 7s, advancing to the ninth-place final where they will face Uruguay. Kenya's clinical defense and creative play secured the victory in a fiercely contested match.
Shujaa advanced to the ninth-place final of the Dubai 7s after an impressive 21-7 victory over Ireland in a spirited match at the Sevens Stadium on Sunday 1 December. Kenya will now face Uruguay in the final as they seek to conclude the tournament on a high note.
Shujaa got off to a strong start with Nygel Amaitsa’s aggressive kickoff creating early pressure. Kevin Wekesa capitalized on a loose Irish pass to score the opening try, with a successful conversion giving Kenya a 7-0 lead. Ireland responded quickly through Jordan Conroy, whose try and conversion leveled the match at 7-7.
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A tightly contested first half saw Ireland maintain fluid passing sequences, but a knock-on handed Kenya a crucial opportunity. Dennis Abukuse powered over the line for his first try of the series, confirmed after a TMO review. With the conversion secured, Shujaa led 14-7 at halftime.
Kenya began the second half with renewed energy, highlighted by George Ooro’s physicality in the early exchanges. Despite miscommunication that thwarted a potential third try, Patrick Odongo’s brilliant kick allowed Benson Salem to chase down and score, extending the lead to 21-7 after another successful conversion.
Even after being reduced to six men following a yellow card for Ooro, Shujaa's defense remained solid, denying Ireland a late comeback. Abukuse’s heroic effort to hold up the ball in the dying moments sealed Kenya’s victory.
In other matches, Spain will take on New Zealand, and Fiji will face Argentina in the men’s semifinals. Meanwhile, the women’s semifinals will feature New Zealand against France and Great Britain against Australia.
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