SVNS 2: Lionesses seek redemption as Shujaa target top-four finish in São Paulo

Kenya’s national sevens teams, the Lionesses and Shujaa, will be out to finish strong when the final leg of the HSBC SVNS 2 kicks off from Saturday, 28 to Sunday, 29 March in São Paulo, Brazil.

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For the Lionesses, the mission will be to redeem themselves and keep their slim qualification hopes alive after a difficult run across the opening two legs.

The Kenya Lionesses have struggled to find consistency since the opening leg in Nairobi, where they managed just one win to finish fifth and collect 12 points.

Their South American tour began on a similar note in Montevideo, Uruguay, with another single victory yielding 10 points and a last-place finish.

That outcome saw the Simon Odongo-coached side slip to sixth overall with 22 points heading into the decisive São Paulo leg.

They now trail leaders Argentina, who sit comfortably at the top with 40 points, while South Africa and Spain are tied in second and third respectively on 34 points. China occupies the crucial fourth spot with 28 points, six ahead of Kenya, while hosts Brazil are level with the Lionesses on 22 points.

Realistically, the Lionesses cannot break into the top three regardless of their performance in São Paulo due to the points gap. However, a narrow window remains open in the battle for fourth place, the final qualification slot.

To stand any chance, Kenya must produce a near-perfect campaign. Winning the leg would take them to a maximum of 42 points, but their fate will also depend heavily on China’s performance.

If China falters and finishes last, Kenya could leapfrog them. Other scenarios, including second or third-place finishes, would likely come down to tiebreakers such as head-to-head results.

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Despite the odds, the Lionesses still have a fighting chance, but anything less than a dominant showing could see their campaign come to an end.

On the men’s side, Shujaa head into the final leg in a much stronger position.

Shujaa currently sit third overall with 32 points, four ahead of Uruguay in fourth and eight clear of Canada and Belgium in fifth and sixth respectively. A top-four finish in São Paulo would be enough to keep them firmly on track for qualification to the World Championship.

Having impressed in earlier rounds, Shujaa will be keen to maintain their momentum and avoid any slip-ups that could jeopardize their standing.

Where to watch Shujaa, Lionesses chase glory in São Paulo

Shujaa and Lionesses fixtures in São Paulo

Lionesses fixtures

Saturday, 28 March

vs Argentina – 5:28 PM

vs South Africa – 8:18 PM

vs Spain – 11:05 PM

Sunday, 29 March

vs China – 6:06 PM

vs Brazil – 10:02 PM

Shujaa fixtures

Saturday, 28 March

vs Germany – 4:22 PM

vs Belgium – 7:12 PM

vs Canada – 10:21 PM

Sunday, 29 March

vs USA – 5:44 PM

vs Uruguay – 8:34 PM