Kenya Lionesses out to continue fine run against Madagascar in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup

Kenya’s national women’s rugby 15s side, the Lionesses, will be aiming to continue their impressive start to the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup when they face Madagascar on Wednesday, 27 May at the RFUEA Grounds.

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The Lionesses began their campaign on a high note over the weekend, cruising to a dominant 43-10 victory over Uganda Lady Cranes to move to second place in the standings.

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With confidence high and home support expected to swell, Simon Odongo’s charges will now be targeting another strong performance against the Malagasy.

The last meeting between the two sides came in June 2025 during the Rugby Africa Cup in Antananarivo, Madagascar, where Kenya produced a commanding display to secure a 28-5 victory away from home.

This time round, the Lionesses will have the advantage of playing in front of their fans at the RFUEA Grounds, with Wednesday’s fixture coinciding with a public holiday in Kenya, a factor that could see larger numbers turn up to support the team.

Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 pm, with Uganda taking on South Africa in the earlier fixture of the day.

Despite Madagascar suffering a heavy 64-5 defeat to South Africa in their opening match, Kenya head coach Simon Odongo believes his side must still be prepared for a physical contest.

“Against Madagascar, we will just match them with our physicality because the biggest task for us against a physical side was Uganda, and we did well.

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For Madagascar, we will just tighten up that area and make sure we are physical enough. We aim to shut them down earlier, and if they get the ball, we have to play them in their own half,” Odongo told Mozzart Sport.

Madagascar showed early promise against South Africa after scoring the opening try of the match before eventually being overwhelmed by the defending champions. They will now be desperate to improve their performance against the hosts.

Ahead of the clash, Odongo has made several adjustments to the side that defeated Uganda while retaining the core of the team that impressed in the opener.

Naomi Muhanji comes into the starting lineup in place of Knight Otuoma, who drops to the bench, while Natasha Emali retains both her hooker role and captaincy. Jane Chanya continues at loosehead prop.

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The second-row partnership of Naomi Jelagat and Phoebe Otieno remains unchanged, with the technical bench maintaining faith in the duo after their solid display against Uganda.

In the back row, Nelly Chikombe and Marvel Oswago retain their positions at blindside and openside flanker, respectively, while Sheila Chajira earns a starting berth at number eight in place of Naomi Amuguni.

Judith Auma has been handed the scrum-half role, replacing Sinaida Mokaya, and will partner Maureen Muritu in the half-back pairing. The midfield combination of Faith Livoi and Janet Okello remains intact.

Freshia Oduor returns to the wing in place of debutant Tracy Montex, with Stella Wafula keeping her spot on the opposite flank. Mokaya shifts to fullback after previously featuring at scrum-half.

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The bench includes Knight Otuoma, Jascenta Musakali, Sheila Wesa, Edith Sitati, Charity Nillah, Edith Nariaka, Atieno Awuor, and Yvette Okech as Kenya seek to maintain their winning momentum in the continental tournament.