South Africa successfully defended their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title, claiming a fifth consecutive crown after edging Kenya Lionesses 35-20 in a thrilling decider at RFUEA Grounds.
A tightly contested first half saw South Africa strike first through winger Alicia Auries, with Jakkie Cilliers adding the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The Lionesses responded brilliantly. A move initiated by Janet Okello and finished with a clever grubber kick from Sinaida Mokaya released Faith Livoi, who raced over for Kenya’s opening try. The conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the hosts trailing 7-5.
Kenya continued to press and were rewarded before the break when Mokaya slotted a penalty to hand the Lionesses an 8-7 halftime advantage.
South Africa regained control five minutes into the second half when Naima Hlatshwayo crossed over to restore their lead at 12-8.
Buoyed by the score, the defending champions turned up the pressure and added another try through Logan Welman, who finished in the corner after sustained attacking phases.
South Africa continued to dominate territory and possession, with Jakkie Cilliers capitalising on an overlap to score and stretch the lead to 22-8.
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To their credit, the Lionesses refused to back down. Substitute Knight Otuoma powered over for Kenya’s second try, and the successful conversion reduced the deficit to 22-15 with 12 minutes remaining.
Despite being reduced to 14 players, Kenya continued to fight. Mokaya beat her marker on the left wing to score a crucial try that brought the Lionesses within two points. However, her conversion attempt sailed wide, leaving the score at 22-20 with five minutes to play.
South Africa responded through their forward pack, winning a penalty from a dominant scrum and slotting the kick to extend the advantage to five points. Another penalty soon followed, pushing the score to 28-20.
The champions then put the result beyond doubt when Cilliers crossed from a driving maul before converting from a difficult angle to seal a 35-20 victory and a fifth consecutive Rugby Africa Women’s Cup title.
While Kenya fell short of the championship, the Lionesses produced a spirited display that pushed the continental champions all the way in a memorable contest.
