Kenya Sevens walked off the turf at Estadio Charrúa with a win, but also with a familiar feeling. A 22–14 victory over Uruguay secured third place in Montevideo, the same outcome they had managed in Nairobi, leaving Shujaa just short of the final step once again.

There was no easy finish to the campaign. Facing the hosts in their final match, Kenya had to dig deep in a game shaped by discipline, momentum swings and timely execution.

Uruguay struck first, taking advantage while Kenya were temporarily reduced after George Ooro was sent to the sin bin. The hosts moved the ball quickly and crossed for an early converted try, putting Shujaa on the back foot. Matters became more complicated when Samuel Asati also saw yellow, forcing Kenya to manage with reduced numbers for a second time.

But this side has shown a growing ability to respond under pressure.

Patrick Odongo stepped up when it mattered most. In a burst of attacking clarity, he crossed twice in quick succession, flipping the script and giving Kenya control. With Nygel Amaitsa adding the extras, Shujaa turned a deficit into a 12–7 lead heading into the break.

The second half offered Kenya a window, and they took it. When Uruguay were reduced to numbers, Shujaa wasted no time. Odongo completed his hat trick, finishing off another sharp move, before John Okoth Okeyo added Kenya’s fourth try to stretch the lead further.

At 22–7, Kenya looked in control, but Uruguay had one final push. Their second try narrowed the gap and lifted the home crowd, but Shujaa stayed composed, closing out the game with better game management than they had shown in earlier moments of the tournament.

It was a fitting end to a campaign that had its highs and frustrations.

Kenya’s journey in Montevideo began with a narrow loss to the United States, a match that could easily have gone either way. They responded well with a convincing win over Canada, showing their attacking rhythm. On the second day, they controlled Belgium comfortably but stumbled against Germany in a tight contest that ultimately proved costly in the standings.

That defeat left them chasing rather than leading, and despite winning three of their five matches, Shujaa once again found themselves just outside the top two. The United States went on to claim the title, with Germany finishing second, while Kenya settled on 11 points.

There are, however, signs of progress. The attacking structure is beginning to click, individual performances are stepping up at key moments, and the team is showing more composure when forced to fight from behind. At the same time, lapses in discipline and narrow losses continue to make the difference at the highest level.

Two legs, two third-place finishes. Consistency is there, but the breakthrough remains just out of reach.

Now the focus shifts to Soo Paulo on 28th & 29th of this Month , the final stop in this series. For Shujaa, it is not just another tournament. It is a chance to turn steady progress into a defining statement and push closer to the level they are chasing.

Kenya Sevens Results – Montevideo

Saturday 21 March
Kenya 14–19 USA
Kenya 19–5 Canada

Sunday 22 March
Kenya 20–0 Belgium
Kenya 7–12 Germany

Monday 23 March
Kenya 22–14 Uruguay