Lionesses thump Uganda to pick Migingo bragging rights

Kenya Lionesses picked an easy 23-3 win over neighbours Uganda Lady Rugby in a 2022 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup match played at the Mutesa II Stadium in Wankulukuku on Wednesday afternoon.

Having beaten Zambia 36-17 on Saturday , Kenya needed to pick a win in the crunch group B tie as only group winners will secure a place at next year's Rugby Africa Cup which serves as a qualifier for the inaugural World Women 15s WXV in 2023.

Kenya missed captain Peruz Muyuka who picked an injury on Saturday but that didn't seem to deter them as they put in a show against the neighbours.

Ann Goretti touched down for Kenya's first try in the 12th minute. 17 minutes later, her golden right-foot won Kenya a further three points after Kenya won a penalty inside Uganda's 22. Kenya took a 8-0 lead to the interval.

Seven minutes into the final half, Kenya extended their lead through a Grace Adhiambo's well-executed dropball but Uganda hit back with their first three points from a penalty successfully converted by Charlotte Mudoola.

Kenya restored their big advantage when Christabel Lindo made the most out of a gab in between Uganda players and touched down for 16-3 Kenya lead in the 62nd minute. Rose Otieno then wrapped up the win with a late try to compound the hosts' misery.

Kenya qualify for the next round of qualifiers where the four group winners will battle it out for the single world cup slot. South Africa and Madagascar are already through to the next phase of the qualifiers. South Africa already won Pool A while Madagascar bagged pool C.

Lionesses Squad v Uganda

15. Ann Gorreti, 14. Christabel Lindo, 13. Prisca Nyerere, 12. Maureen Muritu, 11. Jean Bisela, 10 .Grace Adhiambo (Vice Captain), 9. Judith Okumu, 1. Everlyne Kalemera, 2. Knight Otwoma, 3. Natasha Emali, 4. Phoebe Akinyi, 5. Bernadette Olesia, 6. Diana Kemunto, 7. Naomi Amuguni (Captain), 8. Leah Wambui

Replacements: 16. Rose Otieno, 17. Hesla Khisa, 18. Staycy Atieno, 19.Naomi Jelagat, 20. Winnie Owino, 21. Stellah Wafula, 22. Terry Ayesa, 23. Laurine Akoth

Lionesses face Uganda Cranes in do or die Rugby Africa Cup encounter