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Decision-making, kickoff restart key as Shujaa face Samoa

Kenya crashed out of the medal bracket after three losses in the preliminaries going down 31-12 to Argentina 21-7 to Australia and a 26-0 demolition by Samoa.

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by WILLIAM NJUGUNA

Sports26 July 2024 - 21:00

In Summary


  • •Shujaa will now face Samoa for the second time in three days in the 9-10 classification match at 6pm East Africa time.
  • •Kevin Wambua's charges bounced back in the 9-12 classification match where they beat Uruguay 19-14 
Kenya's Tony Onyango vies for the ball with Motu Opetai of Samoa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on July 25

Decision-making and kick-off restart are among the areas Shujaa must improve as they face Samoa in the ninth-place play-off match of the Paris Olympic Games.

Shujaa, for the third time running, failed to go past the pool stage after losing all their preliminary matches — 31-12 to Argentina, 21-7 to Australia and a 26-0 demolition by Samoa.

Kevin Wambua's charges bounced back in a position 9-12 classification match, where they beat Uruguay 19-14 in sudden death with John Okoth, Samuel Asati and speedster Patrick Odongo getting their names on the score sheet to win the nervy encounter.

They face Samoa for the second time in three days in a position 9-10 playoff at 6 pm (EAT).

Assistant coach Louis Kisia said their biggest undoing was decision-making.

“We had a good amount of possession to score tries against our opponents but the final ball was lacking. Do you take the ball into contact or create an extra pass to find a gap? That's something we need to address going forward,” said Kisia.

On kickoff restarts, Kisia said they must adjust and adapt to the changing trend of the game.

“Restart is a key pillar in Sevens. We were brilliant against Uruguay. We dominated them on this and came out on top,” added Kisia.

He was adamant that the young charges, most of whom are playing at the Olympics for the first time will improve.

"Our young lads are punching above their weight. It's just a matter of time before everyone starts talking about us. I am confident we are in the right direction," said Kisia.

On today's game against Samoa, Kisia said: "Another opportunity to right our wrongs and bring in the 'A' game we showcased in Madrid. The boys know what is expected of them. We have split our two matches this season and it's time to play for bragging rights,” said Kisia.

This is the third meeting between the two sides in the last two months. In the first, Shujaa beat Samoa 19-12 at the World Sevens Series promotion playoffs in Madrid last month.


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