Kenya Lionesses whitewash Uganda in Rugby Africa Women’s Cup opener

The Kenya Lionesses launched their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign with a commanding 43-10 victory over regional rivals Uganda Lady Cranes in a lively clash played on Saturday, 23 May at the RFUEA Grounds.

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It was Kenya’s first 15s match of the season, but there was no sign of rust as the hosts produced a sharp, physical, and clinical display to set an early tone in the tournament.

Talented centre Faith Livoi delivered a standout performance and was deservedly named Player of the Match.

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The two sides had met last in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Cup in June, where Kenya delivered a dominant 49-0 win, and once again the Lionesses underlined their superiority.

Kenya immediately asserted dominance in possession, pinning Uganda deep in their half within the opening minutes. A near-try in the second minute signalled intent before winger Janet Okello broke through the defensive line two minutes later to score the opening try.

Maureen Muritu added the conversion to give Kenya an early cushion.

Uganda responded with sustained pressure inside Kenya’s 22 and eventually capitalised after multiple phases, with Unity Namulala crossing over for their opening try. The conversion was successful, briefly levelling momentum.

Kenya wasted no time restoring control. Power winger Stella Wafula barged through her marker to score the second try, though Sinaida Nyachio missed the conversion.

Moments later, Freshia Oduor added to the scoreboard with a powerful finish as Kenya continued to punish defensive gaps.

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In a standout moment of sportsmanship, Okello set up debutant Tracy Montex for her first international try, marking a memorable milestone in her career.

Uganda added three points through a penalty from Namutedi after a Kenyan infringement, but the hosts still went into halftime firmly ahead at 22-10.

The Lionesses returned stronger after the break, immediately tightening their grip on the match. Within 10 minutes, sustained forward pressure saw Faith Livoi power over the line for a well-worked try, which Nyachio converted to stretch the lead to 29-10.

Kenya’s set-piece continued to function smoothly, with a strong scrum and effective forward carries keeping Uganda on the back foot.

Jacinta Musakali, who was celebrating her birthday, came off the bench to add to the scoring party with a well-worked try from a rolling move, finished off in style. Nyachio converted to make it 36-10.

Uganda attempted to mount a response, but Kenya’s defensive structure held firm. The Lionesses continued to dominate territory and possession, forcing errors and penalties.

Nyachio later struck the post from a conversion attempt after another infringement, but Kenya quickly made amends when Oduor crossed for her second try of the match, finishing off another clinical attacking sequence. Nyachio converted to seal a comprehensive 43-10 win.

Earlier in the day, South Africa made a strong statement of intent with a 64-5 win over Madagascar.

The Lionesses will now shift focus to their next fixture against Madagascar on Wednesday, 27 May, as the tournament intensifies. Meanwhile, South Africa will face Uganda in the other group encounter.