SHUJAA FALL TO USA, SOUTH AFRICA IN OLYMPICS OPENERS

NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenya national mens sevens teams began their Tokyo 2020 Olympics campaign on the wrong foot as they lost 19-14 to USA.

USA head coach Mike Friday could not contain his happiness having finally overcome his former side at the Olympics but also heaped praise on the Kenyans after the victory.

This is the second time Shujaa are making an appearance at the Olympics after a debut show in  2016.

Shujaa were trailing 12-07 at halftime after USA scored two tries, converting one against Kenya’s  single try by Collins Injera which was converted by fly half Eden Agero.

“I am very happy to have the bragging rights of having beaten Kenya, but I also want them to do well so I will enjoy the win but praying that they do well in the next match.

“The Kenyan fitness has improved and the ball handling skills are also much better and I know they will do well in their next matches," Friday stated.

This was not to be as Kenya lost their second game by an even bigger margin, going down 14-5 to African counterparts South Africa.

Veteran Collins Injera was the only try-scorer for the Kenyans but their defense was a bit shaky as they could not hold off the South African pacey attack.

Earlier on Monday, the Blitzboks got their campaign underway with a 33-14 win against Ireland.

South Africa's final Pool C game is against the United States on Tuesday morning whilst the Kenyans will go up against Ireland in their final game.

The winners of the three pools qualify as well as the best-placed pool runner-up advancing to the semi-finals.