Having thrown a first half 19-12 lead to lose 24-19 against England in the opening match, Shujaa came to this clash with a clear intention of picking the first win of the tournament. They, however, allowed Japan to come from behind twice to draw.
How #Kenya7s will line up against Japan at #Hamilton7s kick off 8:08 am pic.twitter.com/1dUhhZm9IJ
— Scrummage.co.ke (@ScrummageKe) January 25, 2020
Just like the England match, Kenya had another impressive start and Andrew Amonde had a big carry on the left side before releasing the ball to Alvin Buffa Otieno who fend off Fisipuna Tuiaki to score the first five points.
Kenya were reduced to six men after Amonde was sin-binned, Japan could not make the numerical advantage count and barely a minute later, Timo Fiti Sufia was sent off leaving the teams level with six men each.
The teams went to the break tied at 5-5 after Kippei Ishida scored a five-pointer before the break.
On return from the break Jeff Olouch set up Daniel Taabu and the halfback dashed to the try-box to score a converted try. Japan did not give up as they levelled the scores with a converted try by Dai Ozawa.
Johnstone Olindi stumbled on his way to try-line in the dying minutes of the clash and lost the ball as he stretched to touch down and the Japanese held on to pick a draw.
Kenya and Japan have three points each following a win and a loss.
