Rugby Africa Women's Cup: Lionesses off to false start in Madagascar

The Kenya 15s women's national team, the Lionesses, suffered a significant setback in their quest for a spot in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Paul Murunga-coached side fell 29-22 to hosts Madagascar in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup tournament opening match.

The Lionesses started on a high note, and they were leading 12-5 at halftime. For the majority of the opening half, they pinned their hosts at 22; they pinned their hosts at 22.

In the opening minutes of the game, the fierce ladies were mercilessly piling pressure on their opponents. Terry Ayesa was the first to score, with Jane Ochieng drilling in the conversion to give the Kenyans a 7-0 lead. 

However, Madagascar gradually clawed their way back into the game, utilising their offloading game to trouble the Lionesses' defence. 

Diana Omoso set up Diana Awino in the corner to score the Lionesses' second try minutes later. The conversion attempt went wide.

Despite Kenya's initial containment efforts, Madagascar managed to outwit them, capitalising on a lapse in concentration to score their first try with a quick tap and go, heading into halftime with Kenya leading 12-5.

The second half saw Madagascar mount a fierce comeback, scoring three tries to secure their first win against Kenya since 2021. 

Although Kenya managed to extend their lead momentarily with a try from Rose Otieno, Madagascar quickly responded with two more tries, taking the lead 22-17. 

The Lionesses fought back valiantly, levelling the scores at 22-22 with an unconverted try.

In the dying minutes of the match, Lionesses found themselves encamped in Madagascar's territory, but a turnover of possession saw Madagascar seize the opportunity to score a decisive try, clinching their first win of the tournament. The Lionesses have a chance to revive themselves when they face their rivals, South Africa, in their next match.

Following that, they will play against Cameroon in their final match of the tournament on Sunday, December 12, 2024.  They remain determined to bounce back and keep their World Cup dreams alive, focusing on regrouping and delivering strong performances in the upcoming matches.

The Rugby Africa Women’s Cup holds significant implications for the African region, with the champions securing a direct berth to RWC 2025.

Mang’eni keen to use past experience to propel Lions to success

This competition marks a milestone in the evolution of women’s rugby, underpinned by enhanced competition structures, high-performance pathways, and a streamlined qualification process, poised to propel the sport to unprecedented heights.

Lionesses Squad | Rugby Africa Women's Cup 2024 | May 4-12 | Antananarivo, Madagascar

Natasha Emali (Captain), Rose Otieno (Vice Captain), Knight Otwoma, Jane Chanya, Maureen Chebet, Faith Livoi, Enid Ouma, Diana Kemunto, Naomi Jelagat, Winnie Owino, Ann Ochieng, Terry Ayesa, Esther Juma, Lewin Amazimbi, Diana Awino, Diana Omoso, Mitchelle Atieno, Sheila Wesa, Hesla Khisa, Mitchelle Akinyi, Mitchelle Alivitsa, Refa Ochando, Hellen Achieng, Elizabeth Wekesa, Nolin Khaleyi, Linet Moraa, Carol Nyamwamu, Hellen Anyango