Sweet revenge for Lionesses as they power 60+ past Madagascar
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 20.09.24. | 17:58
While Madagascar will now head to Dubai for the WXV3 tournament, the Kenya Lionesses can savor their impressive win on home soil.
The Kenya Lionesses avenged their previous defeat by dominating Madagascar with a resounding 63-19 victory in a test match held at RFUEA Grounds on Friday evening.
The Lionesses came into the game determined to recover from their narrow 29-22 loss to Madagascar during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup—a defeat that cost them a place in both the Rugby World Cup and the WXV3 tournament in Dubai.
The first half was action-packed, yielding 50 points in total. Madagascar struck first through Zouanah Fanantenana, who capped off a well-coordinated backline move. Ericka Razanakiniaina added the conversion, giving the visitors an early 7-0 advantage.
Kenya, however, wasted no time responding. Grace Okulo delivered a precise short pass to Stella Wafula, who charged through to score Kenya’s first try, shifting momentum in their favor.
A successful line-out following a well-placed 50-22 kick allowed Kenya to gain ground. The Lionesses' powerful maul brought them within striking distance, and after Madagascar collapsed the maul, Kenya was awarded a penalty try, taking a 12-7 lead. Kenya’s dominance in the maul continued, with another drive resulting in their second try, stretching the lead to 19-7.
The Lionesses pressed on, with a well-placed kick from Sinaida Nyachio expertly grounded by Freshia Awino to make it 24-7. With Dennis Mwanja’s side now fully in control, Awino set up Maurine Chebet for a try under the posts, which was converted by Okulo, extending the score to 31-7.
Madagascar responded briefly, with Vero Rasoanekena crossing the line to bring the score to 31-14. However, Kenya quickly reasserted their dominance. Diana Kemunto’s clever dummy saw her finish off a fine move for Kenya’s sixth try, making it 36-14 just before halftime.
In the second half, Rasoanekena showcased her pace once more, scoring a second try for Madagascar. But Kenya's answer was swift and decisive. Okulo extended the Lionesses' lead before Wafula capitalized on a Madagascar error, scoring her second try and pushing the score to 48-19 after a successful conversion. Kenya continued to pile on the pressure, with Sheila Chajira diving over for another try after a quick tap penalty, extending the scoreline to 53-19.
A cross-kick from Madagascar took an unfortunate bounce, allowing Nyachio to sprint clear and add another try for Kenya. She finished off her stellar performance with an up-and-under kick, which Freshia Awino collected for the final try, sealing the 63-19 victory.
While Madagascar will now head to Dubai for the WXV3 tournament, the Kenya Lionesses can savor their impressive win on home soil.
