Kenya's Shujaa book dream final against Fiji in Singapore
Kenya’s Shujaa are one win away from history. The national sevens side edged Spain 12-5 in a hard-fought semifinal in Singapore and will now face Fiji at 2:41 PM this afternoon in a repeat of their iconic 2016 final.
Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, are 14 minutes away from rewriting history after edging out Spain 12-5 in a tense Singapore Sevens semifinal on Sunday, April 6.
The hard-earned victory comes exactly 3,276 days since Kenya’s unforgettable 2016 triumph in Singapore - and sets up a dream final against Fiji at 2:41 PM this afternoon at the Singapore National Stadium.
Kevin Wambua’s charges delivered a disciplined, no-nonsense performance, stifling Spain’s attacking threats and restricting them to just two visits into Kenya’s 22-metre zone. The win also completed a double over the Spaniards, who Shujaa had blanked 19-0 in the opening match of the Hong Kong 7s just a week ago.
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Patrick Odongo was once again the spark, slicing through Spain’s defence with a brilliant solo run to score the opening try just two minutes in. Nygel Amaitsa converted to give Kenya a 7-0 lead.
Spain’s Francisco Cosculluela was shown a red card late in the first half, and Kenya wasted no time capitalising. A smart call for a scrum deep in Spanish territory allowed the ball to be worked wide to Odongo, who raced down the right wing for his second try. Amaitsa’s conversion attempt struck the upright, but Shujaa had breathing room.
Spain pulled one back in the second half, pouncing on a handling error by Brian Tanga in a dangerous area. Pol Pla touched down, but the missed conversion kept Kenya in front at 12-5.
Spain came hunting for a late equaliser, but Kenya's defence stood firm under pressure. A crucial penalty in the dying seconds allowed Jone Kubu to boot the ball into touch, sparking wild celebrations as Shujaa sealed their place in the final.
Now, standing in their way is Fiji - the same side Kenya crushed 33-7 in the 2016 final under the leadership of the late Benjamin Ayimba to win their first-ever World Series leg.
This is more than just a final. It’s a shot at reliving history, on the same stage, against the same opponent.
Will the new-look Shujaa recreate the magic? All eyes will be on Singapore at 2:41 PM.
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