NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 25 – Patrick Odongo dotted down a sublime extra time try as Shujaa edged out Uruguay 19-14 for their first victory at the Olympic Games in Paris, a win that earns them a re-match against Samoa in the battle for ninth place.
Shujaa had come from 7-0 down to lead 14-7 in the second half, but the South Americans dotted down a converted try after the hooter had gone to force the game into an extra five minutes.
Odongo, the man who starred in the qualifiers as Kenya qualified for its third Olympics, showed just why he is one of the hottest prospects in the country currently with a sublime try.
Off a quickly started setpiece, he picked up the ball on the left, greased through a tackle before running down the pitch in his blistering pace to earn the Shujaas their first victory at the Stade de France in Paris.
Shujaa will take on Samoa in the final of the ninth place match. The two sides met in their final Group B match earlier Friday afternoon, the Samoans winning 19-0 and Kenya will be seeking to make amends.
Against Uruguay, Kenya had a not-so-good start when the South Americans dotted first after winning possession from kick off. Juan Manuel Tafernaberry went down under the posts and added the compliments to give his side a 7-0 lead.
In the second half, Shujaa came off better off the blocks and the lanky and powerful John Okoth dotted down showing some good power on the left, his long strides helping him leap beyond his chasers. With the conversion good from a tight angle, scores were tied at 7-7.
Scrum half Samuel Asati then took kenya clear when some quick thinking saw him start a penalty fast and dived over the line under the posts. The conversion was never doubtful as Kenya went 14-7 up.
But, just as it was against Samoa early on, the numerical disadvantage cost Shujaa once again. Okoth was sent to the sinbin just after the hooter had gone and with kenya defending 6 v7, the Uruguayans had a chance to sneak a late one under the posts via Gullermo Lijtenstein.
But in extra time, Shujaa dusted their hands to ensure victory.
