Shujaa fall to Spain in second HSBC SVNS Series playoff
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| May 31, 2024
After a perfect start to the HSBC SVNS Series promotion and relegation playoffs, Kenya Sevens were made to count their mistakes after losing 10-5 to hosts Spain in their second Group B match played on Friday at Civitas Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid.
Kenya made a perfect start to the qualifiers after withstanding hard hitting Samoa to win 19-12.
In the match, Patrick Odongo scored two tries and made a last minute tackle while Vincent Onyala added another try to lead Kenya to victory ahead of Sunday's winner takes it all finals.
However, in their second match, ball handling mistakes and failure to retain possession cost Shujaa as Spain capitalised twice to tale a 10-0 half time lead.
Despite reducing the gap to 10-5 after captain Onyala break from his own half to score an unconverted try, Shujaa wasted a last gasp opportunity to either score the winner or tie the scores after Brian Tanga's long pass missed a charging Patrick Odongo.
READ MORE
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
New initiative to increase accessibility to spectacles launched
Kenya's path to first-world status requires civic reform
To get it right, let us start right: How Kenya can best reclaim Vision 2030
Murang'a leads counties in jobs, digital services
Indiza, Wakhu, Mediratta start early preps for 2027 MKO
Murang'a tops ranking as rural counties lag in service automation
Ombudsman orders ministry to bin unlawful Sh30 SMS charge for Grade 10 placement results
How Kenya is now positioning itself as top sports destination
Zimbabwe cabinet agrees plan to extend president's term to 2030
Spain held on to win 10-5 and lead Group B after two rounds.
The Kevin Wambua charges are currently playing for position in Group B which also has hosts Spain and Chile. After the group matches, Kenya will then face off with an opponent from Group A in the winner takes it all finale on Sunday.
Group A has USA, Uruguay, Canada and Germany. According to the schedules, the top ranked team in Group A will play the bottom ranked team in Group B while the second Ranked team in Group A face off against the third ranked team in Group B and vice versa.