The Kenya Lionesses had their sweet revenge, overwhelming Madagascar with a dominant 63-19 win in a test match played at RFUEA Grounds on Friday evening.
Heading into this clash, the Lionesses were looking to bounce back after their narrow 29-22 defeat to Madagascar in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, a loss that saw them miss out on both the Rugby World Cup and the WXV3 tournament set for Dubai.
Kenya Lionesses first half
The first half was highly entertaining, producing a total of 50 points. It was Madagascar who drew first blood, as Zouanah Fanantenana finished off a well-executed passage of play from their backline.
Ericka Razanakiniaina slotted the conversion to give the visitors an early 7-0 lead. Kenya, however, responded swiftly. Grace Okulo delivered a short pass to a charging Stella Wafula, who powered through to score Kenya’s opening try.
Kenya took control after gaining a line-out from a well-placed 50-22 kick.
A strong maul saw the Lionesses come close, and a collapsed maul led to a yellow card for Madagascar and a penalty try, giving Kenya a 12-7 lead.
Another maul from Kenya followed, resulting in a second try that stretched the lead to 19-7.
The Lionesses’ momentum continued as a well-timed kick from Sinaida Nyachio was grounded by Freshia Awino, pushing the score to 24-7.
By this point, Kenya was firmly in control. Dennis Mwanja’s charges extended their advantage further when Awino set up Maurine Chebet for a centre-post try, which was converted by Okulo for a 31-7 lead.
Madagascar fought back briefly, with Vero Rasoanekena touching down to narrow the gap to 31-14.
However, Kenya hit the 36-point mark just before halftime when Diana Kemunto sold a dummy and finished off a brilliant move to score the Lionesses’ sixth try of the match.
EDITOR’S PICKS:
- Follow us on Scrummage Africa FB
- The story of Moreen Muritu
- Kanyanya’s transition from rugby pitch to police beat
- Mbeche’s epic ride in push for Eye Care awareness
In the second half, Madagascar’s Rasoanekena showed her speed once more, scoring her second try of the match.
However, Kenya’s response was quick and ruthless. Okulo extended the lead for the Lionesses, and Wafula punished Madagascar for attempting to run the ball from their own zone, scoring her second try of the match. After a successful conversion, the score stood at 48-19.
Sheila Chajira added another try for Kenya, diving over after a quick tap penalty to make it 53-19.
A cross-kick from Madagascar bounced favourably for Kenya, and Nyachio raced clear to add yet another try for the Lionesses. She wasn’t done yet, though, as her final contribution came with an up-and-under kick, which was superbly claimed by Freshia Awino for the last try of the match.
Madagascar will now head to Dubai for the WXV3 tournament, set to begin next weekend, while Kenya Lionesses can celebrate a resounding victory on home soil.
