2026 HSBC SVNS2: Shujaa Boss it at Home as Kenya Lionesses Endure Mixed Fortunes

Kenya national rugby sevens team made a commanding start to their 2026 HSBC SVNS2 campaign, registering two convincing victories on home soil, while Kenya women’s national rugby sevens team experienced a day of contrasting results in Nairobi.

Playing in front of their passionate supporters at Nyayo National Stadium, Shujaa extended their impressive form with a second emphatic win on Saturday. Earlier in the day, Kenya had comfortably beaten Canada national rugby sevens team 29-12, setting the tone for what would become a memorable outing.

They returned in the afternoon even sharper, dismantling Belgium national rugby sevens team 33-0 in a dominant display that sent them to the top of the standings. Kenya wasted no time asserting themselves, with Samuel Asati breaking from the scrum and racing over for the opening try, which was successfully converted to hand the hosts a 7-0 lead.

Moments later, Chrisant Ojwang showcased his pace, sprinting the length of the field from deep inside Kenya’s territory to score under the posts. The conversion pushed Shujaa further ahead at 14-0, leaving Belgium struggling to cope with the hosts’ intensity and precision.

Belgium attempted to respond, but Kenya’s defense stood firm. A crucial turnover inside their own half saw Asati release Vincent Onyala, who powered over the line to extend the advantage to 19-0, putting the result increasingly beyond doubt.

Odongo Applies the Magic as Lionesses Stumble

The home fans were lifted further when Patrick Odongo produced a moment of brilliance. Slicing through defenders with a superb run, Odongo added Kenya’s fourth try, which was converted to give Shujaa a comfortable 26-0 halftime lead.

After the interval, Kenya eased their tempo, allowing Belgium more possession, but the visitors failed to capitalize. Shujaa remained dangerous, and Floyd Wabwire eventually sealed the emphatic victory, sprinting clear to score the fifth try. The conversion completed a comprehensive 33-0 triumph, underlining Kenya’s intent to dominate the tournament.

While Shujaa enjoyed a perfect day, the Lionesses’ campaign delivered mixed emotions. They began strongly with a hard-fought 15-12 victory over Brazil women’s national rugby sevens team, showing resilience to secure the win.

However, their second match proved more difficult. Despite mounting a spirited comeback after trailing 15-0, Kenya fell just short, losing 15-12 to China women’s national rugby sevens team in a closely contested encounter.

Both Kenyan sides remained firmly in contention, with Shujaa carrying momentum and confidence, while the Lionesses looked to bounce back strongly in their remaining fixtures and finish the day on a positive note in front of their home supporters.