Shujaa finished Day One of the 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 on a perfect note after edging Germany in a pulsating sudden-death encounter at Nyayo National Stadium, sealing a clean sweep in front of an electric home crowd.
The Kenyan side were forced to dig deep after a shaky start that saw Germany strike first.
A sharp attacking movement down the right flank carved open the Shujaa defensive line, with Daniel Eneke releasing Ben Ellermann, who dotted down in the fourth minute.
Shujaa stun Germany
Germany added a second score soon after to take a 10–0 lead, capitalising on early territory and possession while pinning Kenya in their own half.
Shujaa showed character in defence despite the early setback. Samuel Asati was immense at the breakdown and in open play, producing a crucial try-saving tackle to deny Germany what looked like a certain score as the visitors threatened to extend their advantage.
However, Kenya suffered a blow late in the first half when captain Vincent Onyala was forced off through injury, leaving Shujaa trailing 10–0 at the interval.
ALSO READ:Kenya Lionesses – women’s rugby team players, history and ranking
The second half told a very different story. With John Okoth introduced to steady the ship, Kenya returned rejuvenated, lifting the tempo and increasing intensity at the ruck. Roared on by the passionate home supporters packed into Nyayo, Shujaa began to dominate collisions and win key turnovers.
The breakthrough came in the eighth minute when Asati sparked a flowing move, shipping the ball wide to Nygel Amaitsa, who showed great awareness and pace to touch down in the far left corner. Although the conversion drifted wide, the try injected belief into the Kenyan ranks.
Moments later, Patrick Odongo a man who thrives on big occasions struck again. Powering through contact and backing his pace, Odongo crossed the whitewash to level matters at 10–10.
Once again the extras were missed, but Shujaa were now firmly in the ascendancy, dictating play and squeezing Germany with relentless line speed.
With scores level at full time, the contest moved into sudden-death extra time. It was here that the true Shujaa spirit shone through. Kenya maintained composure, recycled possession patiently, and waited for the opening.
That moment arrived when Festus Shiasi sliced through the German defence to score the golden try, sealing a dramatic 15–10 victory and sending the home crowd into raptures.
The late win ensured Shujaa ended Day One unbeaten and sitting proudly at the top of the standings. More importantly, it underlined their resilience, depth, and growing confidence as they continue their quest for promotion on the global sevens stage.
HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi – Saturday 14 February Results
- 09:00 – China 7s 10-20 Argentina 7s
- 09:22 – Spain 7s 12-14 South Africa 7s
- 09:44 – Brazil 7s 12-15 Kenya 7s
- 12:02 – Spain 7s 17-19 Argentina 7s
- 12:24 – Brazil 7s 12-0 South Africa 7s
- 12:46 – China 7s 15-12 Kenya 7s
- 15:04 – Brazil 7s 17-28 Argentina 7s
- 15:26 – China 7s 0-21 Spain 7s
- 15:48 – Kenya 7s 10-12 South Africa 7s
Men’s Matches
- 10:06 – USA 7s 40-0 Belgium 7s
- 10:28 – Uruguay 7s 14-19 Germany 7s
- 10:50 – Kenya 7s 29-12 Canada 7s
- 13:08 – Uruguay 7s 14-17 USA 7s
- 13:30 – Germany 7s 26-17 Canada 7s
- 13:52 – Kenya 7s 33-0 Belgium 7s
- 16:10 – USA 7s 41-7 Canada 7s
- 16:32 – Uruguay 7s 38-14 Belgium 7s
- 16:54 – Kenya 7s 15-10 Germany 7s