Injera stars again as Kenya power past France at London Sevens

Collins Injera was once again the hero for Shujaa after his brace of tries helped Kenya to a 24-21 win over France at the Twickenham Stadium on Saturday in the London Sevens.

Kenya’s win revived their hopes of a Cup quarterfinals qualification.

After drawing 19-19 with USA in a Pool ‘C’ match in their opening game, Kenya were in dire need of a win going to this game and they did not disappoint.

Injera gave Kenya the lead with a beauty of a try before France equalized, taking the scores to 7-7.

A series of lovely passes by Jeffrey Oluoch and Oyoo on the left wing would set up Willy Ambaka for Kenya’s first converted try and second of the match.

Former skipper Andrew Amonde popped up a pass to Odhiambo who went on to hand Shujaa a converted try, taking a 19-7 advantage to the breather.

Soon after the break, a composed France scored two quick tries and one conversion to take a 21-19 lead, capitalizing on poor communication from Shujaa.

However talisman Injera restored parity for his side after picking up the ball from a collapsed maul to sprint 40 metres and score under the posts for a converted try.

Earlier, a Collins Injera brace saved Kenya from jaws of defeat as they rallied from behind to settle for a jaw-dropping 19-19 draw with USA.

Speedster Carlin Isles handed USA a first half lead after easily beating Nelson Oyoo with his pace on the right wing before for a converted try.

Soon after, USA were 14-0 up as Dan Norton inked his name on the score sheet as he barged over a superb try between the goalposts.

However Ambaka cut the deficit for Kenya after a fantastic dummy that saw him slice through the Americans defence to touch down for a try that was converted.

Injera then brushed off four American defenders to draw the sides level before Isles restored USA’s advantage soon after restart, powering over for a try that was awarded after consultation with the TMO.

Injera would step up in the final play for a 19-19 all draw and to keep Kenya’s hopes alive in the London Sevens leg.

Shujaa’s next assignment will be against home team England at 8:16 PM (EAT) in their last pool match.