Shujaa end Hong Kong 7s campaign on a high
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 19.04.26. | 08:45
Wambua's charges now shift focus to the next round of the series in Spain, next month, aiming to build on the positives from their performance in Asia
Kenya Sevens national team Shujaa wrapped up their Hong Kong Sevens campaign with a seventh-place finish after a commanding 21-7 victory over Olympic silver medalists France on Sunday, 19 April at Kai Tak Stadium in China.
The win offered a strong finish for Kevin Wambua’s charges, who had endured a difficult run earlier in the tournament, including a narrow 26-22 quarterfinal loss to South Africa that pushed them into the seventh-place playoffs.
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Despite the setbacks, Shujaa’s overall performance remained commendable, especially considering their recent promotion from the HSBC SVNS 2 circuit.
Kenya started the match brightly, capitalizing on early French infringements. However, they were unable to turn pressure into points after Gabriel Ayimba’s try was ruled out. The breakthrough eventually came through Nygel Amaitsa, whose strength and pace saw him power over for the opening try before converting to give Kenya a 7-0 lead.
Shujaa come out on top...🥳🥳
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) April 19, 2026
Shujaa 21 - 7 France #Shujaa #SportpesaNaShujaa pic.twitter.com/f3LlyAZa6f
France responded late in the first half, exploiting a defensive lapse to level the scores at 7-7 heading into the break.
The second half saw Kenya regain control. After winning a crucial scrum, Festus Shiasi, of KCB Rugby produced a powerful run, brushing off his marker to score Kenya’s second try. Amaitsa once again added the extras to restore the lead.
Shiasi continued to be influential, setting up Dennis Abukuse, though the move was halted by a strong French tackle. France attempted to build momentum, but Kenya’s physicality in defense proved decisive.
Shujaa sealed the victory when Patrick Odongo Okong’o set up Samuel Asati who muscled past his defender to score the third try, with Amaitsa maintaining his perfect kicking record to stretch the lead to 21-7.
Asati was later replaced by Brian Tanga who helped see out the match as Kenya maintained composure in the closing minutes to secure the win.
With the Hong Kong leg concluded, Shujaa will now shift focus to the next round of the series in Spain next month, aiming to build on the positives from their performance in Asia.
