Kenya’s Shujaa have advanced to their first Main Cup final since 2018, defeating Spain 12-5 in a gripping semifinal at the HSBC SVNS Series Cup on Sunday in Singapore.
Speedster Patrick Odongo opened the scoring for Shujaa with a powerful dive over the try line, giving Kenya an early 7-0 lead after Nygel Amaitsa’s successful conversion.
Odongo struck again just before halftime, weaving through the Spanish defense for his second try of the game.
Although the conversion was missed, Shujaa held a commanding 12-0 lead going into the break.
Spain responded strongly in the second half, with veteran Pol Pla capitalizing on a mix-up in the Kenyan defense to score, reducing the deficit to 12-5.
In a tense final two minutes, Spain pressed hard for an equalizer, but Shujaa’s disciplined defense held firm, securing their spot in the final.
This victory is a major milestone for Kenya, who last reached a Main Cup final in 2018.
The result underscores the team’s remarkable resurgence, blending youthful energy with tactical precision.
Shujaa will now face Fiji in the final, with the Fijians having cruised past series leaders Argentina.
Kenya will be aiming for their first Cup title in nine years, and the memory of their last victory, which came at the same Singapore venue in 2016, remains fresh.
Back then, a Collins Injera-inspired team, under the guidance of coach Benjamin Ayimba, defeated Fiji in the final.
