Kenya Sevens, popularly known as Shujaa, have been eliminated from the 2024 Paris Olympics after a crushing 26-0 defeat to Samoa in a decisive Group B match on Thursday afternoon at the Stade de Paris.
Shujaa entered the match needing a victory to qualify for the quarterfinals as one of the best losers.
However, their hopes were dashed as Samoa dominated from the start. Kenya’s poor performance was evident early on when they lost possession twice, allowing Samoa to capitalize.
Samoa’s aggressive counter-rucking paid off in the second minute when Motu Opetai broke through to score near the posts, though the conversion was missed, leaving the score at 5-0.
Kenya briefly regained possession following a poor restart by Samoa, but failed to capitalize despite a promising break by John Okoth from midfield.
Indiscipline further plagued Shujaa as Kevin Wekesa was sent to the bin for two minutes for deliberately interfering with a Samoan lineout.
Trailing 5-0 at halftime, Kenya’s numerical disadvantage allowed Samoa to extend their lead to 12-0 immediately after the break, with Paul Scanlan scoring a quick tap-and-go try converted by Falaniko Faafoi.
Kenya’s woes continued as captain Anthony Omondi was sent to the bin for deliberately kicking the ball away after a penalty, preventing a quick Samoan restart.
With Samoa again having a numerical advantage, Apelu Maliko Vaa strolled in for an easy center-post try, converted by Tom Maiava for a 19-0 lead.
In the final play, Steve Onosai sealed Kenya’s fate with a try, bringing the final score to 26-0.
Shujaa’s Olympic campaign started poorly on Wednesday, with a 31-12 loss to Argentina and a 21-7 defeat to Australia. Kenya finished bottom of their group with three points.
The tournament format divides teams into three groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The winners move on to the semifinals, while the losers compete for third place.
Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals play in a mini-tournament for 5th to 8th places, and the worst third-placed team and the last three teams in the group face off in 9th to 12th place matches.
Shujaa Results at Paris Olympics:
- Kenya 0-26 Samoa
- Kenya 12-31 Argentina
- Kenya 7-21 Australia
