The Kenya Lionesses roared to a powerful 63-19 victory over Madagascar at the RFUEA Grounds on Friday evening. This commanding performance marked a sweet revenge for their earlier 29-22 loss during the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, a defeat that cost Kenya a place in both the Rugby World Cup and the WXV3 tournament in Dubai. With the Lionesses determined to make amends, they delivered a comprehensive win on home soil, proving their strength and resilience.
A Dominant Display by the Kenya Lionesses
The Kenya Lionesses came into the match with a clear goal in mind—redemption. After narrowly missing out on the Rugby World Cup and the WXV3 tournament due to their earlier defeat to Madagascar, the Lionesses were keen to set the record straight. Their determination was evident from the start, as they dominated key aspects of the game, from set-pieces to open play.
Madagascar opened the scoring early with a well-executed try by Zouanah Fanantenana, who finished off a smooth backline move. Ericka Razanakiniaina successfully converted the try, giving Madagascar an early 7-0 lead. However, Kenya was quick to respond, and the game took a swift turn in their favor.
Kenya’s Swift Response and First-Half Domination
Kenya’s attack began to fire on all cylinders shortly after Madagascar’s opening try. Grace Okulo, with her precise passing, set up Stella Wafula for Kenya’s first try of the game. This momentous try shifted the momentum in favor of the Lionesses, signaling the beginning of a dominant display.
Following this, a well-placed 50-22 kick allowed Kenya to gain valuable ground. The Lionesses’ powerful maul play was on full display as they marched downfield. When Madagascar collapsed the maul near their try line, Kenya was awarded a penalty try, giving them a 12-7 lead. From that point on, Kenya asserted their dominance, with their forward pack dictating the tempo.
Another impressive maul drive saw the Lionesses extend their lead to 19-7, as their aggressive style of play overwhelmed Madagascar’s defense. The first half was far from over, with Sinaida Nyachio’s strategic kick finding Freshia Awino, who grounded the ball to make it 24-7.
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Maurine Chebet added to the scoreline just before halftime, diving under the posts after receiving a well-timed pass from Awino. Grace Okulo converted the try, bringing the score to 31-7. Although Madagascar briefly fought back with a try from Vero Rasoanekena to make it 31-14, Kenya’s Diana Kemunto delivered another blow with a dummy that allowed her to score Kenya’s sixth try. The Lionesses entered halftime with a commanding 36-14 lead.
Second-Half Dominance Seals Kenya’s Victory
In the second half, Madagascar attempted to stage a comeback with Rasoanekena scoring her second try, bringing the score to 36-19. However, the Kenya Lionesses were not about to let their control of the game slip. They responded swiftly, with Grace Okulo leading the charge once again.
Wafula added her second try of the game after capitalizing on a defensive error from Madagascar, pushing the score to 48-19. Kenya’s relentless pressure continued, and Sheila Chajira joined the scoreboard after diving over for a try following a quick tap penalty. With the scoreline at 53-19, the game was all but over, yet Kenya continued to pile on the points.
A cross-kick from Madagascar took an unfortunate bounce, allowing Nyachio to sprint clear and add another try to Kenya’s tally. Nyachio’s stellar performance was capped off with an up-and-under kick that was expertly collected by Freshia Awino, who scored the final try of the match. Kenya sealed their dominant 63-19 victory, leaving Madagascar with no chance of a comeback.
The Importance of the Win for Kenya Lionesses
For the Kenya Lionesses, this victory was not just about revenge—it was a statement of their strength and potential as a team. The 29-22 defeat to Madagascar in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup had been a bitter pill to swallow, particularly given the stakes involved. That loss had cost Kenya a place in both the Rugby World Cup and the upcoming WXV3 tournament in Dubai.
Friday’s win allowed Kenya to reassert their dominance and demonstrate that they are capable of competing at the highest level. Coach Dennis Mwanja emphasized the importance of the match, not only as a form of redemption but also as a crucial step in the Lionesses’ continued development. The ability to bounce back from such a setback and deliver a comprehensive victory speaks volumes about the team’s resilience and determination.
Madagascar’s Next Steps: Heading to WXV3 Tournament in Dubai
While Madagascar will now turn their attention to the WXV3 tournament in Dubai, they will likely be disappointed with their performance in Nairobi. Despite starting strong with an early try, Madagascar was unable to maintain their intensity against a fired-up Kenya side. The loss exposed gaps in their defense and an inability to cope with Kenya’s physicality in the mauls.
Madagascar will need to regroup and work on improving their defensive organization ahead of the WXV3 tournament, where they will face tough competition. Still, their qualification for the tournament remains a positive outcome, and they will be hoping to make a better showing on the international stage.
Conclusion: Kenya Lionesses’ Redemption on Home Soil
The Kenya Lionesses’ 63-19 victory over Madagascar is a testament to their growth as a team and their ability to overcome adversity. After suffering a heart-wrenching defeat earlier in the year, the Lionesses took full advantage of their opportunity to avenge that loss in front of a home crowd. With standout performances from Grace Okulo, Stella Wafula, and Freshia Awino, Kenya sent a strong message to their rivals.
Although Madagascar will move on to the WXV3 tournament in Dubai, Kenya can savor their impressive win and use it as a building block for future success. The Lionesses’ powerful performance on home soil will undoubtedly boost their confidence as they continue to develop and push for future opportunities on the international rugby stage.
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