Kenya Lionesses’ quest for back-to-back group wins in the 2025 Rugby Africa Women’s Champions (RAWC) suffered a setback after going down 12-19 to South Africa Boks Women on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

The Ladies approached the clash on opening win but found proceedings tough, falling to the narrow loss.

Simon Odongo’s charges were left to rue a slow start that saw their nemesis in total domination, which saw their archrivals race to a 2-0 lead before the break.

 The East African came back determined, with a try from Freshia Awino sparking their slim chances for a fightback.

 Lionesses star Sinaida Mokaya converted the subsequent conversion to put Kenyans on a 12-7 handicap.

With time running out on them, Noleen Khaleyi touched down on the Lionesses’ second try as Kenya breathed more life into the comeback game.

Their bid to settle scores was, however, undone by a wayward conversion, as scores remained 19-12.

The Women’s Boks’ nonetheless, held their nerve to wrap up the clash and claim their second win.

South Africa, who are the competition’s reigning champions, thrashed Uganda 62-7 in their opening match.

Opening victory

The Kenyans had registered a brilliant 28-5 victory against Madagascar on Saturday, June 7, 2025, to mark a perfect start to the competition.

Phoebe Akinyi scored the first try, with Sinaida Mokaya adding the conversion. Madagascar hit back with a try just before halftime. But Kenya responded quickly, leading 12-5 at the break.

Lionesses dominate second half

In the second half, the Lionesses tightened their grip. Grace Okulu slotted a penalty in the 48th minute, extending the lead, and then added a drop goal. The Lionesses again pounced on a Madagascar mistake to score another try. Sinaida Mokaya sealed the win with a late try, ending the match at 28-5. Kenya’s defence was outstanding, limiting Madagascar to just one try.

Lionesses will, in the meantime, regroup ahead of Sunday, June 15, 2025, meeting against Uganda.

The clash at the Stade Makis, Antananarivo, will kick off at 1:00 pm.