Rugby Africa Women's Cup: Lionesses edge Cameroon to bag first victory in Madagascar

Kenya 15s ladies national team; Lionesses ended their Rugby Africa Women's Cup campaign on the right footing after defeating Cameroon 39-17 in a match played on Sunday 12 May at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

The ladies were coming off two consecutive defeats; 29-22 against hosts Madagascar in the opening match before they suffered a humiliating 63-5 defeat in the hands of South Africa's Springboks.

They were looking to make the last match count.

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The fierce ladies kicked off the scoring with an early penalty with Anne Ochieng giving them an early 3-0 lead. That set the tone for a determined performance.

Following that the Cameroonians were penalized and their hooker sent to the naughty chair.

The Lionesses made the numerical advantage count to score a try from loose-head prop Rose Otieno. Diana Omosso converted the try to extend their lead to 10-0.

Displaying remarkable speed, Terry Ayesa added another try for Kenya, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Despite Cameroon narrowing the gap with a converted try, Kenya maintained their dominance with Hellen Achieng's solo effort try, converted by Omosso, bringing the score to 22-7 at halftime.

In the second half, Kenya surged with three additional tries. Diana Awino and Otieno both crossed the try line, with Omosso converting Otieno's second try to push the score to 34-7.

Their opponents fought back with a penalty goal and a converted try by Teclaire Endalle, but Kenya had the last word as Faith Livoi secured the final try, sealing the Lionesses' victory at 39-17.

The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup holds significant implications for the women's rugby in the continent, with the champions securing a direct berth to RWC 2025.

This competition marks a milestone in the evolution of women’s rugby, underpinned by enhanced competition structures, high-performance pathways, and a streamlined qualification process, poised to propel the sport to unprecedented heights.

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Lionesses Squad | Rugby Africa Women's Cup 2024 | May 4-12 | Antananarivo, Madagascar

Natasha Emali (Captain), Rose Otieno (Vice Captain), Knight Otwoma, Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Ochieng, Terry Ayesa, Esther Juma, Lewin Amazimbi, Diana Awino, Diana Omoso, Mitchelle Atieno, Sheila Wesa, Hesla Khisa, Mitchelle Akinyi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi, Linet Moraa, Carol Nyamwamu, Hellen Anyango