Los Angeles 7s: Shujaa’s World SVNS Division 2 hopes in jeopardy after USA defeat
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 04.05.25. | 22:32
Shujaa, coached by Kevin Wambua, had entered the tie needing a win to boost their playoff ambitions
Kenya Sevens' hopes of securing a place in the World SVNS division two playoffs were dashed after a narrow 17-12 loss to hosts USA at the ongoing Los Angeles Sevens on Sunday, 4 May at the Dignity Health Sports Park Pitch Two.
Shujaa, coached by Kevin Wambua, had entered the tie needing a win to boost their playoff ambitions.
They had earlier opened their campaign with a 19-12 defeat to Samoa before bouncing back with a solid 26-14 win over Portugal.
Having last beaten the USA 17-10 during the Hong Kong 7s semifinals in March, Kenya looked to replicate that result and started brightly.
Kevin Wekesa, continuing his rich vein of form after scoring a brace against Brazil, opened the scoring with a powerful run through the USA defense.
A brilliant line break by Patrick Odongo saw him race over for Kenya’s second try, marking his 22nd of the series.
Anthony Mboya slotted in the conversion to give Kenya a promising lead. Co-captains George Ooro and Samuel Asati led a physical defensive line, with Wekesa again proving a handful.
However, the hosts responded just before halftime, with Porter Goodrum touching down and Lucas Lacamp converting to close the gap.
USA returned from the break with renewed energy. Jacob Broselle leveled the scores with an unconverted try, dancing through the Kenyan defense.
Goodrum then struck again, completing his brace and handing USA the lead.
Kenya pushed hard in the dying minutes but could not find the breakthrough.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Lionesses kept their hopes alive in the women's category after edging Colombia 7-5 in a tense final pool match.
The win secured them a spot in the playoff final where they will face long-time rivals South Africa. The Lionesses had earlier lost 33-14 to Spain and 28-10 to Brazil.
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