Dubai 7s: Shujaa through to ninth-place final after victory over Ireland
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 01.12.24. | 14:20
The Kenyan boys will take on Uruguay in the final
Shujaa have proceeded to the ninth place final of the Dubai 7s after a spirited performance that saw them defeat Ireland 21-7 in the match played on Sunday, 1 December at the Sevens Stadium.
They will face Uruguay in the ninth-place final.
The match began with an aggressive kickoff by Nygel Amaitsa into Ireland's danger zone. Kevin Wekesa intercepted a loose pass in the early moments to score Kenya's opening try, with a successful conversion giving Shujaa an early 7-0 lead.
Ireland responded swiftly, with Jordan Conroy exploiting a lapse in Kenya's defense to even the scores at 7-7 after a well-taken conversion.
Ireland appeared in control with smooth passing sequences, but a knock-on disrupted their momentum.
A subsequent scrum gave Kenya possession, allowing them to launch an offensive play. However, a ruck misstep near Ireland's try line saw the ball slip away, keeping the game level.
Ireland's forward pass handed possession back to Shujaa, and from the ensuing scrum, Dennis Abukuse powered over for his first try of the series.
Despite a TMO review, the try stood, and a successful conversion saw Kenya lead 14-7 at halftime.
The second half saw Shujaa emerge with renewed vigor, highlighted by George Ooro’s powerful handoffs in the opening minutes.
However, miscommunication among the Kenyan players halted their bid for a third try, and an offside call allowed Ireland to regain possession.
With their defensive line stretched, Kenya faced a scare but capitalized on an Irish knock-on to regain the ball.
The game paused briefly as Chrissant Ojwang received medical attention for an injury and was wheeled off the field.
Upon resumption, Patrick Odongo executed a brillia
nt kick that Benson Salem chased down to score Kenya’s third try. A successful conversion extended the lead to 21-7.
Despite being reduced to six men after Ooro was yellow-carded, Kenya’s defense held firm. Ireland threatened late, but Abukuse’s heroic effort held up the ball, denying the Irish a crucial score.
Elsewhere, Spain will face New Zealand, and Fiji will face Argentina in the men's semifinals. In the women's semifinal, New Zealand will face France, while Great Britain will face Australia.
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