Kenya gifts USA victory in Hong Kong 7s
Kenya Sevens blew up a 14-0 lead at the break to lose to Mike Friday’s United States of America 14-21 in their opening match of the Hong Kong Sevens on Friday.
It was a tale of two halves after Kenya dominated in the first half, as Collins Injera lapped up an open Americans defense to burst clear upon kick off for the try that Lavin Asego converted.
Felix Ochieng’s charges starved the Americas possession to enjoy 19-0 passes completed with good display at the breakdowns and defense.
And just to prove their dominance, Kenya finish a nine-phase try through skipper Andrew Amonde, who tore through inside the 22-metre line.
Asego’s 100 per cent display with his boot took him past 1000 career points on the World Series circuit Asego is the first player to do so from Kenya and only the 10th player of all-time to achieve the feat.
It was also a mile stone for Injera who scored his 191 career tries of the series.
However, great character from the USA saw Maka Unufe easily weaving through from the second half kickoff to score.
AWFUL TACKLING
Speedster Carlin Isles also cashed on awful tackling from the Kenyans to go clear inside his own half for his 50th career try to level matters.
Danny Barrett caught the Kenyans defense flat-footed as he ran in on the right to score. Kenya’s last gasp effort is nipped in the bud by a penalty call from the referee while inside USA’s 22 metres line.
Kenya have a battle at hand as they must win their two remaining Pool D matches on Saturday so as to make it to the Main Cup quarter finals. They take on England and Wales at 6:12am and 10:14am respectively.
In the other Pool D match, England waylaid former World champion Wales 26-19.
Kenya have lost twice to England and Wales this season. They went down to England 0-38 and 12-21 at the pool stage in Dubai and USA respectively. They lost to Wales 19-24 in Gold Coast and 5-29 in South Africa.
Kenya are placed 12th in the Series with 29 points but must finish in top 10 from the remaining four legs in Hong Kong, Tokyo, London and Glasgow to avoid relegation next season.