Kenya Lionesses secure WXV3 status after defeating Colombia

In a pivotal match at The Sevens in Dubai on Friday, October 27, 2023, the Kenya Lionesses secured their place in WXV3 with a resounding 21-5 victory over Colombia.

The Lionesses demonstrated both their attacking prowess and defensive resolve throughout the game, notching up three tries, a drop goal, and a penalty to secure the win.

Kenya Lionesses’ strong start

Sharon Auma set the tone by swiftly scoring in the 6th minute, giving the Lionesses an initial 5-0 lead. The game’s Player of the match, Ann Goretti Ochieng, added to the lead with a well-executed drop goal in the 21st minute, extending the advantage to 8-0.

The team’s prop forward, Rose Otieno, continued the momentum by bulldozing her way over the try line just two minutes later, making it 13-0. Colombia managed to put points on the board when Juliana Soto scored a try in the 34th minute, bringing the score to 13-5.

Sharon Auma continued to make her mark, securing her second try just before halftime, allowing the Lionesses to head into the break with an 18-5 lead.

Kenya Lionesses defence

In the second half, Colombia made a determined comeback, relentlessly pressing to breach the Lionesses’ try line. However, they faced resilient defence from the Kenyan team.

The Lionesses clawed their way back into the match by repelling Colombia’s attacking efforts and making strategic territorial kicks.

Ann Goretti Ochieng further solidified the victory with a penalty goal in the 75th minute, confirming the full-time result and their spot in WXV3.

15. Diana Omosso, 14. Sharon Auma, 13. Prisca Nyerere, 12. Stella Wafula, 11. Terry Ayesa, 10. Anne Goretti, 9. Judith Okumu, 1. Rose Otieno, 2. Naomi Muhanji, 3. Natasha Emali (VC), 4. Maureen Chebet, 5. Naomi Jelagat, 6. Enid Ouma ( C), 7. Diana Kemunto, 8. Phoebe Akinyi

REPLACEMENTS 16. Knight Otwoma, 17. Valentine Otieno, 18. Evelyn Kalemera, 19. Faith Livoi, 20 Hesla Khisa, 21. Edith Nariaka, 22. Esther Juma, 23. Michelle Akinyi