Kenya’s Shujaa produced a stunning turnaround in Mauritius to reclaim the Africa Men’s 7s title, edging Madagascar 15-12 in a thrilling final at the SPARC International Rugby Stadium in Cascavelle on Sunday.
The victory saw Kenya extend their dominance on the continent by winning the African 7s crown for a record-extending seventh time, while also completing a remarkable redemption mission against a Madagascar side that had caused them significant problems throughout the tournament.
Shujaa entered the final under pressure after suffering a humiliating 26-0 defeat to the Makis in the group stage on Saturday.
It was Madagascar’s fourth consecutive victory over Kenya, raising concerns that the Morans could suffer another setback against their increasingly difficult opponents.
However, Kenya responded when it mattered most.
The Morans displayed character, defensive discipline and composure to overturn the momentum and defeat Madagascar in the tournament’s most important match.
The victory not only denied the Makis a fifth straight win over Kenya but also restored Shujaa’s status as Africa’s leading 7s side.
Kenya had booked their place in the final after producing one of their strongest performances of the tournament, stunning regional heavyweights South Africa 15-0 in the semifinals.
The semifinal victory was particularly significant given that Shujaa had finished second in their group, forcing them to raise their performance level in the knockout stages.
Against Madagascar, Kenya showed a completely different mentality from the side that had struggled in the group encounter.
With the scores finely poised in the closing stages, Menengai Oilers star Glacious Owino held his nerve to convert a late penalty, sending the ball between the posts and giving Kenya the decisive points needed to secure the 15-12 victory.
Owino’s kick proved to be the defining moment of a final in which Kenya had to withstand sustained pressure from the Makis.
The triumph ends Kenya’s wait for another continental title after their last Africa 7s championship success in 2023.
More importantly, it provides a major confidence boost for Shujaa following a period in which Madagascar had emerged as one of their toughest opponents on the African 7s circuit.
The title also underlines Kenya’s ability to recover from setbacks.
Having been comprehensively beaten by Madagascar in the group stage, Shujaa regrouped, defeated South Africa without conceding a point and then overturned the same Madagascar side in the final.
For the Morans, the Mauritius triumph was therefore more than just another continental championship—it was a statement of resilience, mental strength and Kenya’s enduring pedigree in African rugby sevens.
The victory further strengthens Kenya’s position as the most successful side in the history of the Africa Men’s 7s Championship, with Shujaa now boasting seven continental titles.
