Africa Women’s 7s: Kenya Lionesses sweep aside Côte d’Ivoire in dominant opener
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Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 15.11.25. | 15:33
From the first whistle, the Lionesses were locked in. Their handling was flawless, their tempo relentless, and their intent unmistakable
The Kenya Lionesses kicked off their Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens campaign in emphatic fashion, annihilating Côte d’Ivoire 44–0 on Saturday, 15 November at the RFUEA Grounds in Nairobi.
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From the first whistle, the Lionesses were locked in. Their handling was flawless, their tempo relentless, and their intent unmistakable.
An early flowing sequence of passes sliced through the Ivorian defence, landing neatly in the hands of Janet Okello, who cruised over for the first try of the tournament. Sinaida Mokaya’s conversion drifted wide, but the early statement had been made.
Kenya’s passing game only grew sharper. Sustained pressure kept Côte d’Ivoire pinned in their own half, unable to escape the red zone.
Okello struck again soon after, weaving through with characteristic ease for her second try of the match. The Ivorians briefly found possession but failed to capitalise, and Kenya quickly turned defence into attack.
Naomi Amuguni finished off another flowing move for the Lionesses’ third try before Okello completed a first-half hat-trick moments later.
The Lionesses carried the same energy into the second half. Speedster Freshia Oduor opened the scoring after the interval, darting over for Kenya’s fifth try.
Côte d’Ivoire earned a penalty soon after but again could not convert it into meaningful territory. Kenya regained possession, won a scrum deep in their own 22, and Edith Nariaka powered over to widen the gap.
With the Ivorians struggling to slow down the Kenyan momentum, Faith Livoi dotted down after another infringement, this time converted by Mokaya for Kenya’s first successful kick of the day.
Nelly Chikombe put the finishing touches on the rout, sealing the 44–0 full-time score.
The Lionesses now shift their focus to their second and final pool match against Ghana at 1606 hours. Their last meeting against the West African side came during the 2024 Africa Women’s Sevens, where Kenya dominated with a 41–0 win.
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