Kenya Lionesses seek to finish strong in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup against Lady Cranes

• Kenya Lionesses will face Uganda Lady Cranes in their final match of the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup on Sunday, June 15.
• The match is scheduled to kick off at 1:00 PM EAT at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
• Head coach Simon Odongo has made several tactical changes to his squad ahead of this crucial showdown.

The national women’s 15s team, Kenya Lionesses, will lock horns with Uganda’s Lady Cranes on Sunday, June 15, as the curtain comes down on the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

With kick-off slated for 1.00PM, the Lionesses will be looking to bounce back from their narrow 19-12 defeat to the Springbok Women on Wednesday.

Despite their spirited effort and a closely contested match, Kenya fell just short, marking their second outing of the tournament.

To keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2025 WXV2 tournament, a consolation prize after missing out on the 2024 World Cup, head coach Simon Odongo’s side will be determined to overpower the Uganda Lady Cranes.

ALSO READ :Kenya Lionesses’ valiant comeback falls just short against South Africa in Rugby Africa Cup

Kenya began their campaign on a high note, securing a commanding 28-5 victory over hosts Madagascar.

Uganda, newly promoted to the top tier, have also recorded one win from two matches. They suffered a heavy 62-7 defeat to South Africa in their opener but bounced back with a closely contested 24-20 win over Madagascar.

The most recent meeting between the Lionesses and the Lady Cranes came in the 2023 edition of this competition, where Kenya emerged emphatic 23-3 winners.

The Lionesses will now be aiming to extend that supremacy and secure a strong second-place finish behind South Africa, who are poised to defend their crown in their final match against Madagascar.

Head coach Simon Odongo has made several tactical changes to his squad ahead of this showdown.

In the front row, positional adjustments see Jane Chanya and Natasha Emali trade places, while vice-captain Maureen Chebet partners with Noleen Khaleyi in the second row, with Naomi Jelagat stepping aside.

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In the backline, scrum-half Ann Njeri earns a starting berth as Edith Nariaka moves to the bench. Yvette Okech is set to make her international debut on the left wing, replacing Stella Wafula, who shifts to the substitutes.

In midfield, Christabel Lindo teams up with Faith Livoi, while Grace Okulu starts on the bench. Diana Awino takes over the right wing from Freshia Awino.

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Kenya Lionesses squad vs Uganda Lady Cranes

Starting XV

1. Jane Chanya
2. Naomi Muhanji
3. Natasha Emali
4. Maureen Chebet (VC)
5. Noleen Khaleyi
6. Enid Ouma (C)
7. Naomi Amuguni
8. Sheila Chajira
9. Ann Njeri
10. Moreen Muritu
11. Yvette Okech*
12. Faith Livoi
13. Christabel Lindo
14. Diana Awino
15. Sinaida Nyachio

*Denotes debut

Substitutes
Knight Otwoma, Ivonne Khatundu*, Sheila Wesa, Naomi Jelagat, Nelly Chikombe, Edith Nariaka (VC), Grace Okulu, Stella Wafula

Uganda Lady Cranes squad

Doreen Sijali, Phiona Nantongo, Doreen Mbabazi, Proscovia Mukyala, Hellen Acanit, Peace Nemira, Suzan Adong, Angella Nanyonjo, Sarah Nakafeero, Bushira Namutebi, Latifah Tiko, Lydia Namabiro, Grace Nabaggala, Janat Nandudu, Mastula Nambozo.

Reserves

Jenepher Nakale, Christine Kokoi, Cabrine Kirabo, Comfort Angayika, Agnes Nakuya, Tina Akello, Juliet Nandawula, Racheal Mufuwa.

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