Rugby Africa Women’s Cup: Brave Lionesses fall short against South Africa

The Kenya Lionesses put up a spirited late charge, but ultimately came up short in a 19-12 defeat to defending champions South Africa in a closely contested Rugby Africa Women’s Cup match played on Wednesday, 11 June at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The match, a key fixture in the ongoing continental showpiece, was a stern test for the Kenyan side, who had come into the clash with high spirits following a dominant 28-5 win over hosts Madagascar. 

Hopes were high that the Lionesses could break South Africa’s stranglehold on the tournament, but the Springbok Women, unbeaten in the competition since its inception in 2019, proved a formidable hurdle.

South Africa wasted no time stamping their authority on the match, crossing the whitewash just three minutes in with a converted try that set the tone for the opening half. 

Their physicality, set-piece control, and territory dominance kept Kenya pinned deep in their own half, with the Lionesses struggling to break past midfield.

Kenya had a brief window to claw back when they earned a penalty, but they could not capitalize.

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South Africa continued their pressure and extended their lead in the 34th minute through a try by Nomsa Mokwai. 

Mary Zulu’s conversion attempt went wide, but the reigning champions held a comfortable 12-0 lead going into halftime.

The second half saw a revitalized Kenyan outfit.

With renewed energy, the Lionesses began challenging South Africa’s rhythm and matched their intensity. 

However, the Springbok Women struck again, stretching their lead with a third try to make it 19-0.

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Despite the setback, Kenya refused to fold. A late surge in the dying minutes saw Moreen Muritu, now at fly-half, spark a much-needed breakthrough. 

After a quick pass to Sinaida Nyachio, a fumble saw Freshia Owino scoop up the ball and sprint for Kenya’s first try.

Riding the momentum, the Lionesses camped in South Africa’s red zone.

Playing on advantage, Grace Adhiambo attempted a drop goal that missed, but the ball found its way back to Muritu who then set up Noleen Khaleyi for another try.

Unfortunately, the conversion was off, leaving the final score at 19-12.

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Though the comeback fell short, the performance proved that the Lionesses could go toe-to-toe with the continent’s best.

Kenya now turn their focus to their final match of the tournament against East African rivals Uganda on Saturday, 14 June.