- Kenya Lionesses beat hosts Madagascar 28–5 to kick off the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup on a high note.
- The match was played on Saturday, June 7, at Stade Makis.
- With confidence sky-high, the Lionesses now turn their attention to a crucial clash against defending champions South Africa on Wednesday, June 11.
The Kenya Lionesses, the national women’s 15s rugby team, delivered a thumping victory in their opening match of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, overpowering hosts Madagascar 28-5 on Saturday afternoon at Stade Makis.
Having lost to the same side in last year’s edition, this emphatic victory provides a significant morale boost for Dennis Mwanja’s charges as they set their sights on qualification for the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Kenya Lionesses controlled much of the first 20 minutes, consistently pinning Madagascar in their own 22-metre area.
The Lionesses were awarded several penalties during this period but opted for scrums rather than kicks, decisions that did not immediately bear fruit as Madagascar’s defense remained resolute in their danger zone as they kept the scoreline goalless.
However, the breakthrough finally came in the 25th minute. After sustained pressure and multiple attacking phases, Phoebe Akinyi broke the deadlock with a stunning try on the touchline. Sinaida Nyachio calmly slotted the conversion to give Kenya a deserved 7-0 lead.
Madagascar responded just before halftime with a swift counterattack down the left wing. Hanitriniana Mamy raced through the flank and touched down in the corner. The conversion attempt, however, drifted wide, leaving the score at 7-5 in Kenya’s favor.
Just before the interval, Kenya restored momentum. A sharp move on the right flank saw Sheila Wafula receive a precise pass before darting over the line to extend the lead. The missed conversion sent Kenya into halftime leading 12-5.
Early in the second half, Kenya won a penalty in the 48th minute. Unlike their earlier preference for scrums, this time they opted for a kick at goal. Half-back Grace Okulu stepped up and confidently added three points, widening the gap to 15-5.
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Riding high on confidence, Okulu came off in the second half with real impact as she executed a flawless drop goal from within Madagascar’s 22, taking the score to 18-5. Kenya’s dominance was now unmistakable.
Madagascar struggled to cope with the relentless pressure and, in an attempt to clear their lines, fumbled possession.
The loose ball was swiftly recovered by the Lionesses, and Mooren Muritu finished the move with a try to push Kenya’s tally to 23 points.
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In the final minutes, Kenya continued to dictate proceedings deep in Madagascar’s territory. With the clock winding down, Sinaida Nyachio added her name to the scoresheet with a final try, sealing a comprehensive 28-5 victory.
With confidence sky-high, the Lionesses now turn their attention to a crucial clash against defending champions South Africa on June Wednesday 11.
The Springbok Women launched their campaign in style, dismantling tournament debutants Uganda 62-7. Kenya will wrap up their pool matches against regional rivals Uganda on June 15.
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