Kenya edge Germany in extra time thriller

Festus Shiasi delivered when it mattered most, scoring a last-minute extra time try to hand Kenya Rugby 7s side Shujaa pull hard-fought 15–10 win over Germany and cap a perfect Day One in the pool stages.

Shujaa was forced to come from behind after a shaky start. Germany struck early through Ben Ellermann in the 3rd minute before Felix Hulnagel crossed in the 6th, exposing defensive lapses to take a 10–0 lead in the opening half.

Shujaa regrouped after the break and returned with renewed intensity. A well-executed scrum inside Germany’s 22 laid the platform for Strathmore Leos winger Nigel Amaitsa to finish off a slick move on the wing, cutting the deficit. Moments later, Patrick Odongo showed strength and pace, fending off two defenders before racing through for Kenya’s second try. However, missed conversions meant the scores were locked at 10–10.

Tension escalated when Germany appeared to have earned a penalty try, but it was later ruled out, keeping Kenya alive and pushing the contest into extra time.

With the game hanging in the balance, Shiasi stepped up. The KCB forward broke through Germany’s defensive line, accelerated into open space and crossed the whitewash in dramatic fashion to seal the 15–10 victory and send the home fans into celebration.

The win ensured Shujaa completed Day One unbeaten, having earlier brushed aside Canada 29–12 in their opener before overpowering Belgium 33–0 in their second match.

The men’s competition continues in a round-robin format tomorrow before final rankings are determined. Fixtures lined up include Canada vs Belgium at 12:06, USA vs Germany at 12:28, Kenya vs Uruguay at 12:50, Germany vs Belgium at 16:18, Uruguay vs Canada at 16:40, and Kenya vs USA at 17:02.

With three wins from three, Shujaa head into the final round of pool matches brimming with confidence and momentum, firmly in control of their campaign.