There are a total of seven changes as Paul Murunga named the Lionesses side to face Kazakhstan in their second WXV3 fixture at The Sevens in Dubai on Friday 20 October 2023.
Three of these changes are to the starting line up from Saturday’s 32-0 loss to Spain.
Maureen Chebet makes her full test debut as she slots into the second row alongside Faith Livoi while Terry Ayesa replaces Lewin Amazimbi on the wing.
Knight Otwoma, who led the team out on Saturday, misses the match through injury.
Regular captain Enid Ouma is restored to the starting line after sitting out the Lionesses’ last two matches due to injury. She starts ahead of Michelle Akinyi in a rejigged backrow that also features Naomi Jelagat and Diana Kemunto.
The other four changes are on the bench where Grace Okulu, Judith Okumu, Phoebe Akinyi and Mercy Migongo are all named. Okulu, Okumu, Akinyi, Ayesa and Sharon Auma were part of the squad that finished second at last weekend’s Rugby Africa Women’s 7s in Tunisia although Auma has not been included in the match day squad.
The Lionesses front row remains unchanged with Rose Otieno, Staycy Atieno and Natasha Emali all starting.
The half back pairing of Diana Omosso and Anne Goretti is again retained for this fixture with Laurine Akoth partnering Prisca Nyerere in midfield as Ayesa, Esther Juma and Freshia Juma complete the back three.
Commenting on the changes, Murunga said, “We picked a few injuries in the opening match. Faith sustained an injury on the shin and Knight and out for this weekend while Winnie Awino who came off the bench last weekend is out for the rest of the tournament through concussion.”
Speaking on the inclusion of the sevens players, Murunga said, “We are happy that we have been joined by five of the players who were with the sevens team in Tunisia. We will keep Phoebe, Grace and Judy on the bench. Terry starts this game replacing Amazimbi who has been rested. They may come in later in the second half, reasons being we want to build a consistent team in terms of how they have been training and playing. “
Kenya Lionesses Match Day Squad
15.Freshia Awino, 14. Terry Ayesa, 13. Prisca Nyerere, 12. Laurine Akoth, 11. Esther Juma, 10. Anne Goretti, 9. Diana Omosso, 1. Rose Otieno, 2. Staycy Atieno, 3. Natasha Emali, 4. Maureen Chebet, 5. Faith Livoi, 6. Enid Ouma (c), 7. Diana Kemunto, 8. Naomi Jelagat
REPLACEMENTS 16. Naomi Muhanji, 17. Mercy Migongo, 18. Evelyn Kalemera, 19. Hesla Khisa, 20. Phoebe Akinyi, 21. Judith Okumu, 22. Grace Okulu, 23. Michelle Akinyi
Story by KRU
