Kenya Lionesses, Uganda to face off in Rugby Africa 7s semis
By Collins Amanga, October 15, 2023
Kenya Lionesses have secured a spot in the semi-finals of the Rugby Africa 7s/Olympic Qualifiers and are set to face the Uganda Lady Cranes in Monastir, Tunisia on Sunday.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 1:06 p.m. East African Time, with the Lionesses seeking to avenge a 10-07 loss they suffered in a previous encounter during the 2022 Rugby Africa 7s matches.
Kenya Lionesses unbeaten
While Uganda had a loss to South Africa in the group stages, the Kenya Lionesses were an unstoppable force during the Africa 7s pool matches held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Tunisia.
They sailed into the semi-finals with an unbeaten record in the preliminary phase.
A crucial 20-17 victory over Madagascar in the last pool game secured the Kenyan queens’ spot in the knockout stage without a single loss in the preliminary phase.
Despite conceding the first try, Kenya mounted a comeback. Sinaida Mokaya’s try leveled the score at 5-5, and Stellah Wafula scored the second try, putting the Lionesses in the lead at 10-5.
In the second half, Madagascar managed to score two tries and a conversion, but a vital try from Judith Juma prevented a potential upset.
Kenya Lionesses dominance
The Lionesses’ journey to the semis was marked by their dominant performance. In their second pool match, they achieved a remarkable 41-0 victory over Ghana, following an opening 27-0 win over Zambia.
Sharon Auma scored an early try, giving the Lionesses a five-point lead. Stellah Wafula added another try shortly after. Grace Okulu’s conversion showcased their dominance. Auma continued her excellent form by scoring a brace, and Janet Okello added a fifth try.
The Lionesses maintained their dominance in the second half, scoring an additional 12 points. By the end of the match, they had secured their sixth try, thanks to a combination between Okello and Auma.
Terry Ayesa contributed another five-pointer, and the Kenyan team wrapped up the second pool game with a resounding 41-0 victory.