Kenya Sevens showcased resilience and determination as they secured a crucial victory against Samoa, ending an arduous eight-match losing streak in a thrilling encounter at the HSBC Sevens Promotion and Relegation Playoffs in Madrid, Spain.
Spearheaded by standout performances from Patrick Odongo and Vincent Onyala, Shujaa delivered a masterclass in skill and strategy, igniting hope and rejuvenating their campaign.
The match unfolded with electrifying intensity as both teams vied for supremacy on the field. It was Kenya Sevens who drew first blood, seizing the initiative when an expertly executed offload by Samoa inadvertently fell into the hands of Vincent Onyala. With lightning speed and precision, Onyala capitalized on the opportunity, streaking past defenders to notch the opening try, setting the tone for a gripping showdown.
Undeterred by Samoa’s relentless pursuit, Kenya Sevens showcased their attacking prowess once more, with Patrick Odongo dazzling spectators with a sensational try on the right flank. Odongo’s clinical finish extended Shujaa’s lead to 12-0, leaving Samoa reeling in disbelief. However, Samoa quickly regrouped and launched a spirited comeback, narrowing the deficit with a well-taken try by Motu Opetai in the seventh minute.
As tensions mounted and the clock ticked down, Samoa’s Tuna Tuitama displayed sheer brilliance on the pitch, bamboozling his markers with a mesmerizing display of skill to level the scores at 12-12. With the momentum teetering on a knife’s edge, Kenya Sevens rose to the occasion in the second half, determined to seize control of the contest.
The pivotal moment arrived when Patrick Odongo unleashed a ferocious burst of pace, slicing through Samoa’s defense to dot down a crucial center-post try. With the conversion successfully slotted, Kenya Sevens surged ahead with a 19-12 advantage, galvanizing their supporters and fueling belief in their ability to secure victory.
As the final whistle beckoned, tension reached fever pitch, with Samuel Asati receiving a yellow card in the dying moments of the match. Despite being temporarily reduced to six men, Kenya Sevens showcased unwavering resolve and composure, weathering Samoa’s onslaught. In a dramatic climax, a knock-on by Samoa provided a reprieve for Shujaa, sealing their hard-fought triumph and igniting scenes of jubilation among players and fans alike.
With their long-awaited victory against Samoa secured, Kenya Sevens now turn their attention to their next challenge, as they prepare to face Spain in a highly anticipated clash from 10 pm EAT . Buoyed by their resilience and determination, Shujaa stands poised to continue their quest for success, fueled by the belief that anything is possible with unwavering commitment and teamwork.
