Kenya stun US as they storm into Canada Sevens finals

Fans react to Kenya defeating the United States during the Canada Sevens, the Sixth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series at the BC Place stadium Centre on March 11, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PHOTO | BEN NELMS | GETTY IMAGES | AFP

What you need to know:

  • It was the first time Kenya was reaching the semifinals this season even though they had reached the Cup quarterfinals four times.

  • Kenya had earlier stunned England 12-0 in the quarterfinals, their first victory against the Britons since 2011.

  • USA had beaten New Zealand 17-0 in the other Cup quarterfinal.

Skipper Oscar Ouma landed a last minute try as Kenya shocked the US 24-19 to reach the main Cup final at Canada Sevens at BC Place, Vancouver on Monday morning.

The team that is coached by former skipper Innocent "Namcos" Simiyu will meet New Zealand Sevens champions Fiji in the final at 4.10am on Sunday.

FIJI

Fiji battled to reach their second consecutive final, beating Dubai Sevens champions South Africa 15-12 in the other Cup semifinals.

Kenya who went into Vancouver in eighth place with 45 points were guaranteed at least 19 points for the Series for reaching the final.

Samuel Oliech of Kenya pushes Matai Leuta of the United States away during the Canada Sevens, the Sixth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series at the BC Place stadium Centre on March 11, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PHOTO | BEN NELMS | GETTY IMAGES | AFP

It was their first final since the 2015/2016 Singapore Sevens where they beat Fiji 30-7 to win their maiden event in the World Rugby Sevens Series.

Kenya has stunned Fiji 19-16 in the pool stage at USA Sevens before the Fijians avenged 24-21 at the and stage at Canada Sevens.

Kenya found themselves at the back foot when Perry Baker scored two quick tries to give USA, who has just won USA Sevens, a 14-0 lead.

However, had their burners on, with Ouma chalking a swift pass to Nelson Oyoo who finished off as Kenya reduced the deficit 14-7.

ENGLAND

Kenya embraced a good restart with Collins Injera, who was making his 75th appearance for Kenya, set up Oyoo to complete his double as Kenya trailed 14-12 at the break.

Some loss of concentration enabled Carlin Isle to wade through for a try that stretched USA's lead to 19-12 but Injera turned on the pistons to lay the ground for William Ambaka to score a thriller from a tackle and level 19-19 as the hooter sounded.

Willy Ambaka of Kenya scores a try against Matai Leuta of the United States away during the Canada Sevens, the Sixth round of the HSBC Sevens World Series at the BC Place stadium Centre on March 11, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. PHOTO | BEN NELMS | GETTY IMAGES | AFP

The resilient Kenya won the turnover before Injera made a brilliant turn from a tackle to find Ouma who evaded two tackles to land the winning try.

It was the first time Kenya was reaching the semifinals this season even though they had reached the Cup quarterfinals four times.

Kenya had earlier stunned England 12-0 in the quarterfinals, their first victory against the Britons since 2011.

USA had beaten New Zealand 17-0 in the other Cup quarterfinal.