In a dramatic quarterfinal match at the Labourdonnais Sports Grounds in Mauritius, South Africa A rallied to score twice and eliminate the Kenya Morans with a 12-7 victory on Sunday morning.

This match was a replay of last year’s final, although both teams were missing their first-team players, who are currently preparing for the Olympics.

South Africa remained undefeated on the first day of the competition, while the Morans finished second in Pool A after losing to Madagascar.

They started their campaign with a 40-0 victory over Mauritius before seeing off Nigeria 25-0. They ended their pool matches on a low with a narrow 7-5 loss to Madagascar.

The Morans almost took an early lead when South Africa mishandled the kickoff, but Victor Odhiambo was pushed out of play.
Despite dominating possession within South Africa’s 22-meter line in the first three minutes, Kenya could not capitalize. However, in the fourth minute, William Mwanji scored for the Morans after South Africa lost possession due to a penalty.
Kenya maintained pressure on South Africa, allowing them only one incursion into their half during the first half.
In the second half, South Africa capitalized on a penalty, with Sebastiaan Jobb scoring a center-post try, which was easily converted to tie the game at 7-7.

Kenya then conceded a lineout in their own 22, leading to another try by Jobb following a quick throw. The conversion attempt missed, despite the advantageous position.
Denis Abukuse received a yellow card for a high tackle, but South Africa also conceded a penalty from an attacking scrum within Kenya’s five-meter line.
The result sees Kenya face Ivory Coast in the fifth-place semis.
In other action, Uganda advanced to the semifinals with a sudden-death victory over Ivory Coast.

The teams were tied 10-10 in regulation, but Philip Wokorach’s crucial try in sudden death sent Uganda through to the next round.

About 2024 Africa Men’s 7s

The tournament’s format this year is unique. It will be held over two weekends; this weekend and July 6-7. This extended format presents both opportunities and challenges.

The overall winner will be determined by the points accumulated across the two rounds.
Teams’ finishing positions after the knockout phase will earn ranking points, which will be used for seeding in the second round’s pool draw.

The top two ranked teams after both rounds will qualify for the 2025 World Rugby 7s Challenger Series.
Morans Squad to Mauritius: Brian Mutua (CC), Ben Salem (CC), William Mwanji, Dennis Abukuse, Elvis Olukusi, Richard Liva, Gabriel Ayimba, Harmony Wamalwa, Festus Shiasi, Joel Inzuga, Victor Odhiambo, Edmund Anya

Head Coach: Louis Kisia
Team Manager: Morgan Ngumbi
Physio: John Elly