This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
On December 14, 2019, Kenya's rugby sevens team Shujaa faced off against Australia in a thrilling match at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town.
However, it was a case of so near yet so far for Shujaa as they let go of a 5-0 lead to bow out of the Cape Town Sevens with a 17-5 loss to South Africa in the Main Cup quarter-finals.
Despite the loss, Shujaa's performance was a significant improvement from their previous season, where they collected only four points at this stage.
Over the three days, Shujaa scored 11 tries and conceded a similar number, with burly Homeboyz forward Alvin Otieno stealing the show as he dotted down tries in all of Kenya's matches.
Otieno, who made his Shujaa debut in 2016, is now the team's top scorer this season with six tries.
Shujaa's coach, Paul Feeney, expressed his satisfaction with the team's progress, citing improvements in their defense and attack structures, as well as their work rate.
Feeney stated, 'We have definitely made improvements in our defense and attack structures as well as kick offs. We have been giving all players opportunities and everyone has had a start.'
