Nyayo National Stadium held its breath, then erupted. Kenya Sevens were pushed to the absolute limit on Saturday evening before digging deep to defeat Germany 15–10 in golden time, preserving their formidable home record and sending the sold-out crowd into wild celebration at the HSBC SVNS 2 Nairobi leg.

Coming into the clash, both sides were unbeaten. Shujaa had already accounted for Canada and Belgium earlier in the day, while the USA had dispatched Belgium and Uruguay to sit top of the standings. Germany, however, arrived with unfinished business. They were the last side to beat Kenya on home soil back in 2021 and were determined to end a remarkable run that has since seen Shujaa string together 25 straight victories in Kenya.

From kickoff, it was clear this would not be routine.

Germany struck first with sharp execution. Daniel Eneke slipped an offload that released Ben Ellermann for the opening try, silencing sections of the Nyayo crowd. Moments later, Felix Hufnagel broke through to double the advantage, handing Germany a 10–0 lead they carried into halftime.

HT: Kenya 0–10 Germany. Kenya needed a response, and it came with urgency.

Nygel Amaitsa sparked belief when he sliced down the left flank, beating his marker to dive over for Shujaa’s first try. The conversion attempt drifted wide, but the momentum had shifted.Kenya 5–10 Germany.

From the restart, Shujaa showed composure. They secured possession, recycled quickly and worked the ball wide before Patrick Odongo forced his way over the line to level matters. Once again, the conversion missed its target, but the scoreboard now read 10–10 and Nyayo was alive.

Kenya 10–10 Germany.

What followed was pure drama.Germany thought they had stolen it at the death, driving towards the try line with seconds remaining. But Odongo, who had already hauled Kenya level, produced a desperate, last-ditch intervention that will live long in local rugby memory. As Germany attempted to ground the ball, Odongo’s perfectly timed block denied them, forcing the match into sudden-death extra time.

In golden time, one mistake would decide everything.

Kevin Wekesa stepped up first, winning a crucial turnover to hand Kenya possession and territory. From the resulting scrum, Festus Shiashi saw the gap. He accelerated through the defensive line, cut inside and powered over the try line, sealing a dramatic 15–10 victory and igniting celebrations across Nyayo.

FT: Kenya 15–10 Germany.

The result means Shujaa finished day one with three wins from three matches, although they sit second overall behind the USA on points difference. More importantly, the victory reinforces Kenya’s aura at home , a side that refuses to fold under pressure, especially in front of its own supporters.

Germany had come close to ending the streak. Instead, they became the latest chapter in it. At Nyayo, Shujaa continue to defend their fortress ,sometimes the hard way.