Kenya Lionesses are set to faceoff with Coasta Blanca Barbarians in the final of the 26th edition of the Safari sevens women’s category after edging out defending champions Uganda 15-14 in the semis played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.
Coasta Blanca Barbarians were the first ladies team to book a place in the semis after defeating Shogun Rugby 19-7.
Stella juana scored the first try for Barbarians with Miranda making no mistakes in the conversion for a 07-00 lead.
Shogun’s Emily lekuru’s try drew the sides level as they headed to the break with the scoreline being 07-07.
In the second half Barbarians put two tries past Shogun rugby’s defence to enter the final following a 19-7 victory.
In a thrilling showdown Lionesses managed to bag a win against stubborn Uganda where Ann Njeri scored the first try for Lionesses but missed on the conversion making matters 05-00 in favour of Lionesses.
Uganda fought back immediately taking a 7-5 lead through Lydia Namabiro with Tina Okello adding the extras.
Lionesses took a 10-07 lead moments later when Freshia oduor came in with the second try for Lionesses moments later but Ann Njeri’s conversion went wide.
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Uganda continued pilling immense pressure on the Kenyan side which made Freshia Oduor’s pass land on Uganda’s Grace Auma who grabbed it and offloaded to Peace Lekuru who ran and scored a left corner try giving Uganda a 14-10 lead at the break.
The second half saw each team maintaining the defensive discipline but in the dying minutes of the game a breakout for Lionesses came when Freshia Oduor managed to offload to Sinaida who stepped inside and beat markers and scored but being in a tight position the conversion failed to sail through but it was about this time the referee signalled the end of the game making Lionesses walk away with 15-14 narrow win to qualify for the final.
Kenya Lionesses will now face off with Coasta Blanca Barbarians in the final a side that is yet to register a loss in the tournament.
Safari 7s Ladies Day three results
Shogun Rugby 19-00 Uganda 2
Costa Blanca Barbarians 12-10 Uganda
Kenya Cubs 26-00 Kenya Lionesses
Semi-finals
Coasta Blanca Barbarians 19-7 Shogun rugby
Kenya Lionesses 15-14 Uganda lady cranes
Final Pairing
Kenya Lionesses vs Coasta Blanca Barbarians
