Kenya Sevens are gearing up for a crucial match against Samoa on Thursday at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, following a tough 21-7 loss to Australia in their second Group B encounter at the Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris.

This defeat came on the heels of a 31-12 loss to Argentina earlier on Wednesday at the same venue.

To advance to the knockout stages, Kenya must now secure one of the two spots available for the best third-placed teams in the tournament.

Kenya needs a decisive victory over Samoa and favorable outcomes in other group matches to keep their hopes alive.

Currently, Kenya sits at the bottom of Group B with two points, having scored 19 points and conceded 52.

Samoa, also with two points, ranks third due to a better points difference (-23) compared to Kenya’s -33.

A win against Samoa would boost Kenya’s points tally to five, significantly improving their chances of progressing to the knockout stages and the medal rounds.

Coach Kevin Wambua is sticking with his initial lineup against Argentina: Samuel Asati, Anthony Mboya, Chrisant Ojwang, Kevin Wekesa, Patrick Odongo, John Okoth, and Vincent Onyala.

The match started with both teams scoring converted tries within the first three minutes, showcasing the high stakes as each sought to keep their Olympic dreams alive.

Australia, already poised for the knockout stages after a 21-14 win over Samoa, quickly asserted their dominance. Josh Turner’s first-minute try, converted by Dietrich Roache, set the pace.

Kenya’s captain, Anthony Mboya, responded with a try and conversion two minutes later, leveling the score at 7-7.

However, Nathan Lawson’s try just before halftime, converted by Roache, put Australia ahead 14-7 at the break.

Despite a resilient second-half performance from Kenya, Australia sealed their victory with a late try from Corey Toole, converted by Roache, ending the match 21-7 and securing their place in the knockout stages.

Kenya’s hopes now rest on a strong performance against Samoa on Thursday to keep their Olympic journey alive.