Shujaa on course to avoid relegation after beating Canada and Tonga

National rugby sevens team Shujaa made a brilliant start in the World Rugby Sevens series play offs after beating Canada and Tonga in their opening two matches.

Shujaa secured a hard fought win against Canada, setting up the best possible start to the journey of trying secure core nation status in the World Rugby Sevens series.

Shujaa came from behind to secure half time lead, after Canada scored the opening try. Kenya's Kevin Wekesa was in impressive form as he scored a hatrick of tries to help Shujaa bag their first playoff victory.

In the second match against challenger series winners Tonga, Shujaa were quickest out of the blocks as Kevin Wekesa continued his scintillating form, scoring the first try with Tony Omondi getting the extras.

It didn't take long before Wekesa touched down for his second try of the match after Alvin Otieno's impressive build up play.

Brian Tanga showed quick feet leaving his opponents on deck as Shujaa raced to a 19-0 lead in the opening four minutes. Tonga hit a consolation try towards the end of the first half as Wekesa went over for his second hatrick of tries in two matches ending the first half 26-7.

The Damian McGrath charges started the second half brightly as captain Nelson Oyoo led by example to extend the lead to 31-7.

Tonga would hit back almost immediately after sustained pressure in Kenya's 22. Both sides traded tries in the last exchanges with Edmund Anya scoring Shujaa's last try and Daniel Taabu getting the extras. Tonga scored late in the match to end the tie 38-26.

Shujaa will now turn their focus in their next match against Uruguay on Sunday at 2.19pm in a clash that will determine who tops the pool and reaches the paly off final. 

Shujaa's fans in Kenya and around the world will hope the boys keep up the good momentum in day two with maintaining core nation status the only target.