Shujaa floor Uruguay to keep perfect record at HSBC SVNS in Nairobi
Shujaa co captain Samuel Asati in action against Uruguay during their HSBC 7s Division 2 match at the Nyayo National Stadium on February 15, 2026. Photo by Oliver Ananda/ SportPicha.com
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Shujaa stretched their unbeaten run at the ongoing HSBC SVNS Division 2 with a composed 17–7 victory over Uruguay national rugby sevens team at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
The victory keeps Shujaa as the only unbeaten side in the competition, moving them to 12 points with one pool match left. Germany sit second on 10 points.
Roared on by a vibrant home crowd, Shujaa made it four wins from four in the opening leg of the 2026 campaign, reinforcing their status as early promotion contenders.
Tries from John Okoth, George Ooro and Samuel Asati, each dotting down once, ensured the hosts maintained their flawless pool record.
Uruguay arrived in Nairobi battling inconsistency. Los Teros had managed just one win so far, a commanding 38–14 triumph over Belgium, but their campaign has been punctuated by heartbreak.
They squandered a 14–12 late lead against USA after Pita Vi’s final minute try snatched victory for the Americans, before Germany staged a second half comeback to overturn them in another tight contest.
Against Kenya, however, there was no late drama. Shujaa dictated tempo, controlled possession and absorbed pressure with maturity.
The 17–7 scoreline reflected a disciplined defensive display and clinical finishing when it mattered most. Uruguay’s resistance flickered, but the hosts’ structure and composure proved decisive.
The result crowns a perfect Nairobi pool phase for Shujaa. They opened with a 29–12 win over Canada, Patrick Odongo grabbing a brace.
A ruthless 33–0 demolition of Belgium followed, before Festus Shiasi’s golden try sealed a dramatic 15–10 comeback victory over Germany. Sunday’s triumph over Uruguay preserved that spotless run.
Despite missing action through injury, Shujaa utility back Vincent Onyala credited the home crowd for Kenya’s strong showing.
“The boys have been working very hard, but the fans have played a huge role,” Onyala said. “You saw it yesterday against Germany — we went down 10–0 and still managed to fight back. The support really pushed us.”
At the same time, Germany bounced back strongly from their loss to Kenya, handing United States a 28–7 defeat, while Belgium claimed their first win of the tournament.
With the Division 2 series spanning Nairobi, Montevideo and São Paulo, consistency is currency. The top four teams on aggregate points will advance to the HSBC SVNS World Championship in pursuit of elite tier promotion.
Shujaa’s focus shifts to their final pool assignment against USA at 5:02 PM.
Additional reporting by Benard Cheruiyot
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