Kenya Sevens will need to dig deep on Thursday to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive in the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games after suffering a 21-7 defeat against Australia in their second Group B match on Wednesday.
Kenya’s campaign began on a disappointing note, with a 31-12 loss to Argentina in their opening match. Now, they must overcome Samoa in their final preliminary match to have a chance at progressing to the last eight as one of the best third-placed teams.
Australia took an early lead in the second match, with James Turner scoring a center post try that Roache Dietrich successfully converted, giving them a 7-0 advantage. Shujaa quickly responded through Anthony Omondi, who capitalized on a penalty to score a center post try and level the match.
Despite Kenya’s efforts, Australia regained the lead before halftime. Nathan Lawson finished off a well-coordinated play to score another center post try, with Dietrich adding the conversion for a 14-7 halftime lead. In the second half, Kenya dominated possession but struggled to penetrate Australia’s staunch defense.
Against the run of play, Australia’s Toole Corey came off the bench to deliver the decisive blow, scoring a try that Dietrich converted to secure a 21-7 victory. This win ensured Australia’s qualification for the quarterfinals with a game to spare.
Kenya’s fate now hinges on their final group stage match against Samoa, scheduled for Thursday at 3 pm. Victory is essential for Shujaa to advance to the quarterfinals as one of the two best third-placed teams.
The tournament format divides teams into three groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-placed teams, advance to the quarterfinals. Winners of the quarterfinals move on to the semifinals, while the losers compete in a match for third place. Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will play in a mini-tournament for 5th to 8th places. The worst third-placed team and the last three teams in the group face off in the 9th to 12th place matches.
Kenya’s Group B includes Australia, Samoa, and Argentina. Australia started their campaign with a 21-14 win over Samoa. Group C features Fiji, France, USA, and Uruguay, while Group A comprises New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, and Japan.
Shujaa will need to muster all their strength and skill to overcome Samoa and keep their Olympic dream alive.
