Hard-fighting Kenya Lionesses fall to South Africa, miss out on Africa 7s title
By Joel Sang, October 15, 2023Kenya Lionesses missed out on the Africa 7s title after falling to South Africa in the final in Monastir, Tunisia, on Sunday, October 15, 2023.
The South Africans not only emerged as the continental champions following a 12-7 win over Kenya but also booked a place in the 2024 Olympic Games in South Africa.
Going into the final, hopes were high for the East Africans, having sailed through the group stage and the knockout phase with impressive performances.
The South Africans, who progressed to the final after a 31-0 win over Zambia, managed to see off the Lionesses in a very tightly contested duel.
South Africans have crowned their year’s achievement with yet another trophy after winning the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Stellenbosch a few months ago.
Meanwhile, Kenya were on the offensive for most of the game as South Africans defended resolutely and launched few attacks.
It was the South Africans, however, that claimed the opening try in the first half when Nadine Roos managed a try to give her side a 5-0 lead.
Kenya fought back, and courtesy of a mistake by the opponents, Sharon Auma converted for a 7-5 lead.
In the second half, just as was the case in the previous half, South Africa were on the defensive and Kenya on the offensive.
Lionesses, however, failed to breach South Africa’s firewall. The eventual title winners were solid at the back and ensured they did not break apart amid pressure asserted by the East Africans.
South Africa’s moment to take the lead came when they broke forward and Maria Tshiremba scored from a set-piece. Roos’ conversion all but sealed the victory for the Springbok women.
Kenya vs Uganda
Meanwhile, in the semi-final, Kenya saw off Uganda to earn a place at the ultimate stage.
Okello was impressive against the Ugandans, as she scored the opening try just a minute after the match started.
Okello added two more tries in the fifth and seventh minutes as the Ugandans struggled to contain the high-flying Lionesses. Successful conversions by Grace Okulu ensured the Kenyan queens enjoyed a 17-point lead at halftime.
Naomi Amuguni and Sharon Auma scored tries in the second half as Kenya stretched the lead to 27-0 as the game drew to a close.
After failing to win the African title and grab a ticket to the Olympic Games, Kenya will now turn their attention to Repechage next year. Repechage will give the Lionesses another chance to try and qualify for the Paris Games.