Kenya Lionesses succumbed to their first loss of Rugby Africa Women’s cup 2025 after they were defeated by South Africa women 19-12 in a match staged at Stade Makis, Antananarivo.
South Africa women came off the blocks firing early on and it was Aphiwe Ngwevu who powered over for the first try of the match with Mary Zulu adding the extras.
Kenya Lionesses would then mount pressure camping in their opponent’s red zone. This paid off in form of a series of penalties which culminated in South African tight-head being sent in the bin. Kenya Lionesses however failed to capitalise and couldn’t put points on the board.
South Africa would have extended their lead minutes later but attempt for a penalty goal by Mary Zulu was unsuccessful as the ball hit the uprights. South Africa crossed over for their second try through open side flank Lerato Makua. Mary Zulu failed to add the extras.
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South Africa added their third try of the match through Nobuhle Mjwara which was converted by Mary Zulu to keep the game further off the reach for Lionesses. The Lionesses, who seemed quiet the better of the second half, started to roar late in the game with 9 minutes left.
First it was Freshia Oduor who went over after she was unleashed into space by substitute Christabel Lindo. The try was converted by Charity Juma. Straight from restart, Stella Wafula made a break evading a couple of defenders before offloading to Maureen Muritu who was cut short just few meters from the try line.
Lionesses continued to pile pressure on South Africa and it wasn’t long before another substitute Noleen Khaleyi went over. Attempt by Charity Juma to convert the try was unsuccessful as the Lionesses trailed 19-12.
South Africa women would hold on in the last five minutes to claim their second win of the rugby Africa women’s cup 2025.
The Lionesses will be next in action on Sunday when they face neighbours Uganda Lady Cranes in their last match of the campaign.
