Shujaa bow out of Hong Kong Sevens after loss to South Africa
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Apr 18, 2026
Kenya Sevens are out of Hong Kong Sevens.
Shujaa exited the competition after losing 26-22 to South Africa in the Main Cup quarterfinals played on Saturday afternoon.
Shujaa had a poor start to the game when Samuel Asati stepped out of the field in an attempt to kick the ball downfield, resulting in South Africa being handed a scrum five meters from the try box.
Selvyn Davids capitalized on the advantage to score off the scrum for 7-0 lead after Tristan Leyds conversion.
Kenya went on two quick attacks after the restart and scored through John Okoth following a quick and chase by Nygel Amaitsa that resulted in a scrum that Kevin Wekesa won. Amaista failed to convert as Kenya trailed 7-5.
READ MORE
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
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
Shujaa won the restart again, this time Dennis Abukuse sprinting right through the Blitzboks' midfield to score between the sticks for a 12-7 lead with Amaitsa adding the twos.
However, Vincent Onyala was sent to the bin for a tackle on the air that saw Donavan Don punish Shujaa with a try at the stroke of half time to lead 14-12 after another Leyds conversion.
In the final half, Shujaa surprisingly won the restart despite the numerical disadvantage and went on to score at the corner through Wekesa to lead 17-14.
Another unconverted try by Festus Shiasi stretched Kenya’s lead to 22-14 before another poor restart saw South Africa score immediately to cut the gap to 21-22.
Shujaa’s hearts were broken after the hooter when Siviwe Soyizwapi came off the bench to score the winner for 26-22 win.
Kenya will now play in the seventh-place playoffs classification matches on Sunday.