Lionesses storm Africa Women’s 7s semis with win over Zimbabwe Cheetahs

The Kenya Lionesses are through to the semifinals of the Africa Women’s 7s after overpowering Zimbabwe 33–10 in a fiery quarterfinal clash on Sunday, 16 November, at the RFUEA Grounds.

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The win extended Kenya’s unbeaten run in the tournament and, even more impressively, marked the first time the team conceded points all weekend.

Zimbabwe showed grit and briefly tested Kenya’s defense, but the Lionesses’ speed, structure, and ruthlessness proved too strong.

Zimbabwe started strongly, dominating early possession and threatening to unsettle the hosts.

But a loose pass shifted momentum dramatically; Freshia Owino pounced, sprinting past a scattered defense to register the opening try while Grace Adhiambo’s conversion drifted wide.

Moments later, Nelly Chikombe extended the lead after bursting into space to score her third try of the tournament, with Adhiambo’s conversion making it 12–0.

Zimbabwe’s infringement deep in Kenya’s half handed the Lionesses a scrum inside their 22.

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Crisp passing from the backline created another opportunity, and Awino, electric all morning, finished it off with her second try.

Another good conversion sent Kenya into halftime with a commanding 19–0 lead.

Zimbabwe came out of the break with renewed intent and finally found their way over the line after capitalizing on a Kenyan infringement. It was the first try conceded by the Lionesses in the tournament.

But Kenya responded instantly. Awino once again burned the defense to restore the cushion, and the successful conversion stretched the score.

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Zimbabwe refused to back down and punished a momentary lapse in Kenya’s defensive structure, darting over for their second try despite a spirited chase from Janet “Shebesh” Okello.

However, the final say belonged to Kenya, Chikombe sealed the win with her second try of the match, securing a 33–10 victory and sending the home fans into celebration.

The Lionesses now set up a blockbuster semifinal against the Uganda Lady Cranes at 12:36 pm.

The clash is a repeat of the 2025 Safari 7s final, where Kenya edged Uganda 14–10 in a tense battle to reclaim the title.