‘Migingo derby is here’

The Kenya Lionesses will today wrap up their Rugby Africa Women’s Pool B campaign against hosts Uganda in a Migingo Derby that has all the ingredients of a thriller.

Kenya and Uganda chalked up identical 36-17 wins over Zambia in the preliminary Group B stage and it will be interesting to observe who between them shall vanquish the other at the duel penciled for Wankulukuku Stadium.

The match will decide who shall top the pool to qualify for the main competition in 2023.

Speaking from Kampala, mercurial Lionesses player Bernadette Olesia said they playing unit can’t wait to engage the team from the Pearl of Africa, adding that they are ready to shock them, their home ground advantage notwithstanding.

“We are ready to make life difficult for them (Uganda) on the pitch. They have quality players but we also have an armada that is capable of punishing any slight mistake they shall make” said Olesia.

She reckoned that they met an equally strong Zambia side which was an ideal test before facing Uganda.

“Zambia gave us a real test and the score line should not be used as a yardstick to their pedigree. Of course, we made mistakes which we have since rectified moving forward,’’ offered Olesia.

During the match, Kenya led 23-12 before the breather  before conceding a sole unconverted try after the resumption.

As the match wore on, Kenya was in her true element as Lionesses sank two penalties that knocked the wind out of the sails of the Zambians.

Kenya Lionesses sevens stars gave the side the right push for the opener win that was captured as early as at half time when Grace Adhiambo, Naomi Amuguni, Ann Goretti and Christabel Lindo combined their wits to grab a promising 23-12 half time lead and in the second half Leah Wambui scored the sole try converted by Goretti who had a perfect boot for two more penalties on top.

In a previous Rugby World Cup qualifier hosted in South Africa, the Lionesses shrugged off a 66-0 beating by the hosts to narrowly lose 22-29 in their second match.

Kenya was leading 22-17 before two late tries by South Africa overturned their direct qualification dream.

Meanwhile, Uganda Lady Cranes pummeled Zambia 36-17 thus setting the stage for the big clash against Kenya.