The Kenya Lionesses have named their matchday squad ahead of their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup clash against Madagascar, scheduled for Saturday at 3:00 p.m. EAT at Makis Stadium.
Grace Okulo will start at fly-half and will be partnered by Edith Nariaka at scrum-half. The midfield combination features Moreen Muritu at inside centre and Faith Livoi at outside centre.
Kenya Lionesses wings
Stella Wafula, who was named Player of the Match the last time these two teams met, starts on the left wing, with speedster Freshia Oduor on the right. Sinaida Nyachio has been handed the fullback role.
Captain Enid Ouma leads the side from the open side flank, joined in the back row by Naomi Amuguni on the blind side and Sheila Chajira at number eight.
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The second row will feature Phoebe Akinyi and towering Maureen Chebet, while the front row consists of Natasha Emali, Naomi Muhanji, and Jane Chanya.
The replacements bench includes Knight Otwuma, Noleen Khaleyi, Sheila Wesa, Naomi Jelagat, Doris Kimani, Ann Njeri, Christabel Lindo, and Diana Awino.
The Lionesses come into the fixture looking to build on their emphatic 63-19 victory over Madagascar in a 2024 test match at RFUEA Grounds.
This match also serves as an opportunity for redemption, after the Lionesses narrowly lost 29-22 to Madagascar in last year’s Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, a result that cost them qualification for both the Rugby World Cup and the WXV3 tournament in Dubai.
Kenya Lionesses squad
1. Natasha Emali
2. Naomi Muhanji
3. Jane Chanya
4. Phoebe Akinyi
5. Maureen Chebet (VC)
6. Naomi Amuguni
7. Enid Ouma (C)
8. Sheila Chajira
9. Edith Nariaka (VC)
10. Grace Okulu
11. Stela Wafula
12. Moreen Muritu
13. Faith Livoi
14. Freshia Awino
15. Sinaida Nyachio
*SUBS*
Knight Otwuma
Noleen Khaleyi
Sheila Wesa
Naomi Jelagat
Doris Kimani
Ann Njeri
Christabel Lindo
Diana Awino
