Kenya Lionesses head coach Dennis Mwanja has made four changes to the starting 15 ahead of their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup against Cameroon at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Sunday 28 April.
These changes aim to strengthen the team’s performance and secure a second-place finish for qualification to the third tier of the World Rugby WXV competition.
In the second row, Nelly Chikombe replaces Naomi Jelagat, while Terry Ayesa takes the position of Moreen Muritu as the outside center. Freshia Akinyi, who previously came off the bench in the previous matches, will now start as the fullback, replacing Ann Goretti.
Additionally, Phoebe Akinyi, who missed the defeat against South Africa due to a soft tissue injury, has been restored to the starting lineup.
The match day 23 also includes Mercy Migongo, Lewin Mwevezi, and Hesla Khisa, who are in line to make their first appearances in the tournament.
A victory for the Lionesses, combined with a defeat for Madagascar, will secure the team’s second-place finish and qualification to the third tier of the newly introduced World Rugby WXV competition.
Kenya Lionesses v Cameroon: 15. Freshia Awino, 14. Jean Bisela, 13. Terry Ayesa, 12. Grace Okulu, 11. Stella Wafula, 10. Sinaida Mokaya, 9. Judith Auma, 1. Natasha Emali, 2. Knight Otwoma, 3. Evelyne Kalemera, 4. Nelly Chikombe, 5. Bernadette Olesia, 6. Diana Kemunto, 7. Phoeobe Akinyi, 8. Sheila Chaijra (Captain)
REPLACEMENTS 16. Mitchelle Akinyi, 17. Mercy Migongo, 18. Rose Otieno, 19. Hesla Khisa, 20. Naomi Jelagat, 21. Winnie Owino, 22. Lewin Mwevezi, 23. Ann Goretti
