• RUGBY

• Frank Rotich 12 days ago

Kenya Shujaa win fifth straight Safari 7s title after victory over Morans in national team derby

Kenya 7s national team Shujaa have underlined their dominance at the Safari Sevens after defeating Kenya Morans 24-5 in an all-Kenyan final at Nyayo National Stadium to claim a fifth consecutive title.

The victory on Sunday extended Shujaa’s unbeaten run at the tournament to 29 matches, with their last defeat coming against Germany during the 2021 edition.

Despite facing a determined Morans side, Shujaa showed their class after the break, scoring four tries to secure another memorable triumph on home soil.

Morans started strongly, putting the defending champions under early pressure and forcing them to work hard defensively. They came close to scoring, but Lucky Onyango lost possession near the try line, allowing Shujaa to escape.

Shujaa also struggled to break through the Morans defence in the opening half, with Brian Mutua pushed into touch as both teams went into the break without scoring.

However, Shujaa returned with renewed purpose after the restart, with Rayvone Ambale breaking the deadlock after selling a dummy before crossing the try line. His successful conversion gave the champions a 7-0 lead.

The defending champions then increased their advantage through Victor Mola, who capitalised on a counter-ruck before weaving through the Morans defence to score. The conversion extended the lead to 14-0.

Festus Shiasi added a third try as Shujaa continued to control the contest, before John Okoth crossed for another score to stretch the advantage to 24-0.

Morans eventually found a consolation try through Dennis Ndayala, who finished a move initiated by substitute Harrison Mauve. However, the late response could not prevent Shujaa from completing a convincing victory.

The result denied Morans a chance to reclaim the Safari Sevens crown they last won in 2019, when they defeated South Africa 19-14.

Shujaa’s journey to the final had included a commanding 54-5 quarter-final victory over Wonder 7s before they dispatched French Renegades 36-0 in the semi-finals.

Morans also impressed on their way to the final, beating SportPesa Fast Forwards 38-15 in the quarter-finals and Shogun 31-10 in the semi-finals.

The fifth consecutive title further strengthens Shujaa’s record at the tournament as they turn their attention to the World Rugby SVNS 2 campaign.