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Kenya Lionesses win Olympic qualifiers opener

Kenya Lionesses win Olympic qualifiers opener
Kenya Lionesses’ Janet Okello at the Safari Sevens. PHOTO/Alex Njue
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The Kenya Lionesses made an impressive start to their Rugby Africa 7s campaign in Tunis, securing a convincing 27-0 victory over Zambia, keeping their hopes alive for Olympic qualifiers.

The Lionesses dominated from the beginning, scoring three unconverted tries in the first half to establish a 15-0 lead.

Kenya Lionesses dominate first half

Janet Okello, who plays for the Japanese side MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club, opened the scoring, followed by Stellah Wafula, who added to the lead.

Kenya Lionesses Janet Okello (second right) with a teammate in action during a past international rugby match. PD/ALEX NJUE
Kenya Lionesses Janet Okello (second right) with a teammate in action during a past international rugby match. PHOTO/Alex Njue

Wafula later scored her second try of the day, ensuring Kenya a comfortable halftime advantage.

In the second half, Diana Omoso crossed the try line for the fourth time, with Grace Okulu converting, extending the lead to 22-0.

The final try came from Janet Okello, securing her second of the match, and she joined Wafula in scoring a double.

Kenya will now face Madagascar and Ghana in their final two matches, aiming to continue their strong performance in the tournament.

Kenya Lionesses 15s

In Dubai, the experienced forward Knight Otwoma will lead the Lionesses 15s in their opening match of the World Rugby WXV3 campaign against Spain.

Otwoma will play as number eight, a departure from her usual role as a hooker in the front row. She will be joined by Diana Kemunto and Michelle Akinyi in the backrow, while Naomi Jelegat and Faith Livoi form a solid second row partnership.

The Lionesses’ front row includes Rose Otieno, Staycy Atieno, and vice-captain Natasha Emali. On the wing, Lewin Amazimbi will make her test debut alongside Priscah Nyerere, and Freshia Awino will take on the fullback position.

Kenya Lionesses players in action. PHOTO/World Rugby
Kenya Lionesses players in action. PHOTO/World Rugby

Diana Omosso will start as the scrumhalf, forming a crucial partnership with fly half Anne Goretti. In the midfield, Laureen Akoth and rookie Charity Juma will combine their talents.

Among the replacements, Maureen Chebet, Edith Nariaka, and Agatha Jamari are poised for their Lionesses test debuts, along with Naomi Muhanji, Valentine Otieno, Hesla Khisa, and Winnie Owino.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 pm EAT and will be available for live streaming on World Rugby’s dedicated platform, RugbyPass TV.(https://rugbypass.tv).

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