Kenya Lionesses began their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign on a high after they outsmarted a determined Madagascar side 28-5 in a match held at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.
Kenya Lionesses were first on board after Phoebe Otieno went over just below the uprights for a 5-0 lead. Sinaida Nyachio nailed the conversion. Madagascar would respond moments later after they scored a try through their winger in what was their only try in the game. Conversion attempt by Madagascar was unsuccesful as Kenya Lionesses led 7-5.
Several attempts by Lionesses to break through the Lady Makis defense were repulsed but Kenya would eventually add their second try just at the stroke of halftime when Faith Livoi did well under pressure to ground the ball at the corner. Okulu missed the conversion as Lionesses went for the halftime break leading 12-5.
Kenya Lionesses came back in the second half a much rejuvenated side putting pressure on Madagascar but they were not so clinical to finish off when it mattered the most. It was Edith Nariaka who ignited the spark after she made a line break in her own half but was cut short after she was high-tackled just close to the 22 metre line by the Makis fullback. Grace Okulu went for the penalty goal and it was successful.
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Minutes later Okulu went go for a drop goal just outside the 22m line and she struck it well to give the Lionesses a 13-point buffer. Kenya would then add another try through Stella Wafula after a botched clearance attempt by Madagascar. Grace Okulu failed to convert Wafula’s penalty with scores reading 23-5 in favour of Kenya.
Kenya Lionesses could have scored another try in the dying stages but substitute Diana Achieng lost the ball forward with a 2-man overlap in the outside. The consistent pressure would finally pay off at the stroke of fulltime when Sinaida Mokaya forced her way over in the corner to ground the ball. Grace Okulu missed the conversion as the Lionesses began their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign with a 28-5 win over the hosts.
Lionesses’ next match will be against South Africa on wednesday.
