Strathmore Leos are through to their maiden final of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit after edging Menengai Oilers 21-19 in a thrilling Kabeberi Sevens semifinal on Sunday, 16 August at the RFUEA Grounds.A dramatic last-minute try by Elton Amalemba, converted by Arnold Muita, sealed a memorable victory for the students, who will now face KCB Rugby in the tournament final.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsKCB booked their place in the decider earlier in the day with a commanding 26-7 victory over Kenya Harlequin, in what was perfect revenge after their earlier defeat to Quins in Dala.KCB vs QuinsKCB made their intentions clear from the opening whistle.After winning possession from a scrum, their initial attempt was held up over the line by a determined Quins defense.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894380##The Bankers, however, remained patient and were rewarded when Samuel Asati crossed over for the opening try, although the conversion drifted wide.The pressure continued to mount on Quins as Vincent Onyala added KCB's second try after sustained attacks deep inside the opposition's territory.Brian Wahinya converted to hand KCB a healthy lead at the break.The Bankers picked up where they left off in the second half, with Floyd Wabwire slicing through the Quins defense for another converted try.Kenya U20 coach reveals quality that sets Kabras youngster apart after Barthes Cup final heroicsEugene Omondi then extended the advantage with KCB's fourth try, once again converted by Wahinya.Quins eventually found a late consolation try, but it was not enough to prevent KCB from cruising into the final with a convincing 26-7 victory.The second semifinal delivered far more drama as Menengai Oilers and Strathmore Leos produced one of the matches of the tournament.The Oilers struck first through Beldad Ogeta, with Glacious Owino adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.Strathmore suffered an early setback when Amon Wamalwa injured his ankle and was forced off, with Brian Mwendwa replacing him.Strathmore responded just before halftime through Stanislaus Shikoli, whose converted try levelled the scores at 7-7.The Leos returned for the second half with renewed intensity.Victor Mola came close to scoring after latching onto a long pass from midfield, but Calvin Mulewa produced a crucial tackle to force a knock-on.Moments later, Patrick Kluivert finished off another attack to hand Strathmore the lead.Strathmore Leos thrown into mourning following death of playerThe contest swung again when Brian Kipchirchir shrugged off Muita with a powerful handoff, then raced over for another Oilers try.Injury woes continued for the Nakuru-based side as Mwendwa, who had only recently come on, was also forced off.The Oilers regained the advantage when they broke clear down the right flank for another unconverted try, setting up a tense finish.With time running out, Strathmore produced one final attack.Why university sides struggle to compete in the National 7s CircuitGabriel Ayimba released the ball to Amalemba, who sprinted over for the decisive try before Muita calmly slotted the conversion to hand the Leos a dramatic 21-19 victory.The result sends Strathmore Leos into their first final of the 2026 National Sevens Circuit, where they will battle KCB Rugby for the Kabeberi Sevens title.
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