Shujaa bounce back, Lionesses struggle in second matches at HSBC SVNS playoffs in LA 7s
Shujaa lost to Samoa in their opening fixture of the LA 7s while the Kenya Lionesses fell to Brazil and Spain
Kenya's national sevens teams experienced contrasting fortunes in their second outings at the HSBC SVNS promotion-relegation playoffs in Los Angeles, with Shujaa staging a memorable comeback to beat Portugal while the Lionesses succumbed to a second consecutive defeat, this time to Brazil.
Shujaa roared back into contention with a thrilling 26-14 win over Portugal at Dignity Park in their second Pool A match. The victory was a vital response after a 19-12 opening loss to Samoa, reigniting Kenya’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages of the promotion playoff.
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Portugal had the early momentum and took a 7-0 lead through Duarte Morais, but Kevin Wambua’s side turned the tide in the second half. Kevin Wekesa sparked the comeback with a powerful try, converted by Anthony Omondi. Wekesa soon added a second, set up by Samuel Asati, as Omondi's boot made it 14-7.
Nygel Amaitsa, continuing his fine form, broke through for Kenya’s third try and added the extras himself to stretch the lead. Patrick Odongo, chasing the season’s top try scorer title, added the fourth for his 21st of the campaign. Though Omondi missed the conversion, Shujaa were firmly ahead at 26-7 before Portugal's Max Coutts pulled one back late on.
The win puts Kenya on four points, level with Samoa, heading into a decisive clash against hosts USA at 9:20 p.m. EAT.
Lionesses fall again despite promising start
Earlier, the Kenya Lionesses fell 28-10 to Brazil in their second Pool A match of the women’s HSBC Challenger Series playoffs. The result followed a 33-14 defeat to Spain, leaving their hopes hanging ahead of a must-win match against Colombia.
Dennis Mwanja’s charges had a bright start, with Sheila Chajira scoring an unconverted try in the third minute. However, Brazil responded swiftly as Bianca Silva crossed the line and Raquel Kochhann converted to take a 7-5 lead.
Camilla Carvalho added two tries for Brazil one before and one after the break both converted by Kochhann, who also scored and converted another try to widen the gap. A yellow card to Phoebe Otieno in the 13th minute allowed Brazil to pile on more pressure.
Sinaida Nyachio managed a late consolation try, but the damage was already done as Brazil secured a 28-10 victory.
With only the top four teams securing promotion to the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2, the Lionesses’ final pool game against Colombia, set for 8:44 a.m. EAT, becomes a do-or-die affair.
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