HSBC SVNS 2: Shujaa, Lionesses off to brilliant starts

Kenya’s national sevens sides; Shujaa and the Lionesses thrilled home fans with winning starts in their opening matches of the HSBC SVNS 2 played on Saturday, 14 February at Nyayo National Stadium.

Shujaa edged Canada 29-12 while the Lionesses held off Brazil 15-12, setting a celebratory tone on Valentine’s Day in front of an energized crowd.

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Canada arrived in Nairobi riding on confidence after clinching the HSBC SVNS 3 title in Dubai last month.

The fixture also carried emotional weight for Kenya, with memories still fresh of May 2023 when Canada were the last side Shujaa faced in a four-team playoff at Twickenham Stadium in London, a 12-7 defeat that confirmed Kenya’s relegation from the HSBC SVNS Series to the Challenger Series.

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Their most recent meeting had, however, tilted in Kenya’s favour, as Shujaa dismantled Canada 24-5 during the qualifiers playoffs at the Los Angeles Sevens in 2025.

With history between the sides, the clash began at a frenetic pace, Canada showing resilience in defence while Kenya pressed forward.

Kenya struck first through speedster Patrick Odongo, who raced to the try box to ignite celebrations in the stands. Moments later, Chrissant Ojwang sliced through the Canadian line to add a second try, compounding pressure on the visitors.

Odongo returned to haunt Canada again before halftime, cutting through their defence for his brace and sending Kenya into the break with a 17-7 advantage after Canada managed a late score.

The second half saw Canada respond strongly. Morgan Di Nardo powered past the Kenyan pack to score, though the conversion attempt fell short. A Kenyan handling error handed Canada possession from a scrum, and Kalin Sager capitalised with Lachlan Kratz adding the extras to narrow the gap.

Kenya responded decisively on their next visit forward. Nygel Amaitsa sold a clever dummy to confuse the defence before crossing for a converted try that stretched the lead to 24-12.

From a subsequent scrum advantage following a Canadian infringement, Festus Shiasi surged through for Kenya’s fifth try, sealing the 29-12 victory amid loud cheers from the home crowd.

Earlier in the day, the Lionesses had also made a statement, edging Brazil 15-12 in a tightly contested fixture played at 9:44 am to begin their campaign on a high note.

Attention now shifts to the next round of matches, with Lionesses facing China at 12:46 pm before closing the day against Argentina at 3:48 pm.

Meanwhile, the Shujaa will take on Belgium at 1:52 pm before locking horns with Germany at 4:54 pm in their final match of Saturday.