Malaga 7s: Shujaa claim first win after massive comeback against France

Just when Shujaa looked dead and buried they rose from their ruins to overturn a 15-0 deficit and claim a 26-15 victory over France in the final Pool D match of Malaga 7’s.

Back to back losses at the hands of Canada and Wales ensured Kenya would not make it to the Main Cup quarter finals ending their consecutive appearances at the stage in both Dubai legs of the series.

After brave defending from Kenya in the opening minutes of the game, France finally found a way past Kenya when they profited from a poor kick from Shujaa that failed to find the touchline. 

France dotted down through Aaron Grandidier whose pace was just too much for the Shujaa defense after intricate passing from the France side. 

The Shujaa defence was again caught napping with that man again Grandidier who went on a lung-bursting run from his own half to grab his second of the game.

Shujaa failed to turn up for the first half as they went into the halftime break trailing 15-0 courtesy of a try from Joachim Trouabal after France stretched the Kenya defence.

Innocent Simiyu’s halftime team talk looked to have hit home as Shujaa resumed the closing half a different beast with Billy Odhiambo offloading the ball to Vincent Onyala for his fourth try of the Malaga Sevens. 

Kenya were menacing as skipper Nelson Oyoo sneaked in a try on the left flank with a huge leap to get the ball just over the try line and hand Shujaa a lifeline in the clash.

Derrick Ashiundu who had just come on did not take time to announce himself to the Malaga fans as he raced to dot the ball behind the sticks. 

Vincent Onyala who has been Shujaa’s shining light in an otherwise dark leg, grabbed his double of the game after an acrobatic offload from Billy Odhiambo to complete the 26-15 rout of France.