Safari 7s: Shujaa overpower Morans to set up repeat final against Shogun Rugby

Kenya 7s national team; Shujaa saw off their feeder team; Morans to book a slot in the 2024 Safari 7s title. The narrow 21-19 victory ensured they remained on course for their third consecutive Safari 7s title.

The Kevin Wambua-coached side will face Shogun Rugby; formerly Samurai Rugby in what will be a repeat of the 2024 Safari 7s final where Shujaa emerged 19-0 victorious.

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Shujaa’s Comeback Against Morans

Morans opened the scoring with Festus Shiasi bulldozing over the line for a 5-0 lead. Shujaa quickly responded as Benson Salem broke through after a switch in play, sprinting clear for a try, converted by Dennis Abukuse, to go up 7-5.

Brian Mutugi then spotted a gap on the outside, running in another try to extend Shujaa’s lead to 14-5 by halftime.

Brian Mutua added to Shujaa’s tally in the second half, cutting inside and scoring near the posts, making it 21-7.

Morans rallied back with Mike Wekessa brilliantly gathering his grubber kick to score, narrowing the gap to 21-12. Floydd Wabwire’s try and a successful conversion tightened the score to 21-19, but Shujaa held on to secure their place in the final.

Shogun’s Dominant Performance Against Zimbabwe

Shogun Rugby impressed in the other semifinal, overpowering the Zimbabwe Cheetahs 34-14. Mervano Da Silva opened the scoring after a turnover for a 5-0 lead, followed by Noah Canepa’s blistering run, which, with a conversion, made it 12-0. Da Silva capitalized on a missed kick-off, extending the lead, and Canepa found space on the outside for his second try, bringing the halftime score to 22-0.

After the break, Zimbabwe responded with Alexandre Odinga’s try, reducing the deficit to 22-7. Dion Kumalo then scored on the left wing, giving Zimbabwe hope. However, Shogun sealed their victory as Canepa sprinted clear to score a converted try under the posts, making it 34-7. Zimbabwe managed a late try, but Shogun’s 34-14 win secured their spot in the final against Shujaa.

Cup semis

Men

Shogun 34-14 Zimbabwe

Kenya Morans 21-19 Shujaa

Women

Kenya Lionesses 15-14 Uganda

Costa Blanca Barbarians 34-14 Shogun Rugby

Cup final

Barbarians vs Kenya Lionesses – 16:32

Shogun vs Shujaa– 16:55