The Kenya Lionesses concluded their 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s campaign with a hard-fought second-place finish after a 17-10 loss to South Africa in the final. Despite the defeat, the Kenyan team has qualified for the 2025 Challenger Series, marking a significant achievement in their journey to compete on a global stage. The tournament took place in Accra, Ghana, where Kenya displayed skill, resilience, and tenacity against some of Africa’s top rugby teams.
Here’s a breakdown of the Lionesses’ inspiring performance throughout the tournament, their key moments in the final, and what this qualification means for Kenya’s women’s rugby moving forward.
The Road to the Final: Kenya’s Dominance in Pool Stages
The Kenya Lionesses began their campaign with a powerful statement, defeating Mauritius 61-0 in their opening pool match. Their speed, precision, and teamwork were on full display as they quickly overpowered Mauritius, setting the tone for the tournament. The Lionesses then faced host nation Ghana in a tense encounter, ultimately securing a 10-5 victory. The match was a defensive battle, with Kenya’s discipline and tactical awareness shining through.
The final pool game saw the Lionesses take on a resilient Madagascar side, edging them out in a high-scoring affair with a 27-22 win. This victory solidified their position at the top of the pool standings and advanced them to the quarterfinals, where they continued their dominant form with a 48-0 rout over Ghana, securing a spot in the semifinals
In the semifinals, Kenya met Uganda, a familiar rival. The Lionesses’ defense was rock-solid, shutting out Uganda with a 19-0 win to secure their place in the final against South Africa. This victory also highlighted Kenya’s depth and tactical adaptability, as they adjusted to Uganda’s style and maintained composure.
A Re-match of 2023’s Final: Kenya vs. South Africa
The final against South Africa was a high-stakes rematch of the 2023 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s final, where South Africa narrowly defeated Kenya 12-7, taking the direct Olympic slot. The Lionesses, eager to avenge that loss, brought their A-game to the pitch, determined to clinch the title and continue their remarkable journey in African rugby.
Full time score@kenyalioness 10 – @WomenBoks 19
The Lionesses finish second in the 2024 #RAW7s.
Chin up Ladies… We’re proud of you!. pic.twitter.com/jCHaRN19UI
— Kenya Rugby (@OfficialKRU) November 10, 2024
The game began with intensity as both teams traded early tries. South Africa opened the scoring with a well-executed play, but Kenya quickly responded, leveling the score at 5-5 by halftime. Sharon Auma showcased her strength and agility, powering through South Africa’s defense to give Kenya their first try of the match. However, the missed conversion left the score tied, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Second-Half Drama: Kenya’s Lead and South Africa’s Comeback
The Lionesses entered the second half with renewed energy, capitalizing on a South African infringement to gain territory. A series of perfectly coordinated passes led to Auma’s second try of the game, pushing Kenya into a narrow lead. The conversion attempt fell short, but Kenya’s advantage boosted their morale.
South Africa quickly regrouped, maintaining possession and pressure. Zintle Mpupha’s break through the Kenyan defense set up speedster Nadine Jacobs for South Africa’s second try, swinging the momentum back in their favor. Mpupha continued to make an impact, although a hard tackle temporarily sidelined her, reducing South Africa to six players and giving Kenya a brief numerical advantage.
Despite the opportunity, Kenya couldn’t capitalize on Mpupha’s absence, and South Africa struck again, intercepting a Kenyan pass and racing down the field for the decisive try. Although the conversion was unsuccessful, South Africa held on to their 17-10 lead until the final whistle.
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Key Takeaways from the Final
The Lionesses displayed outstanding skill and determination in the final, keeping the scoreline tight and matching South Africa’s intensity. Their tactical play, teamwork, and disciplined approach were evident throughout the tournament. Although they fell short of the title, their performance against a strong South African team underscored their growth and competitive potential on the continental stage.
The match also highlighted areas for improvement as Kenya looks ahead to the 2025 Challenger Series. Converting scoring opportunities and capitalizing on opponent errors will be crucial if they aim to achieve consistent success against top-tier teams.
Road to the 2025 Challenger Series: What’s Next for Kenya Lionesses?
By finishing as runners-up in the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s, the Kenya Lionesses have secured a spot in the 2025 Challenger Series. This qualification is a significant step forward, offering the Lionesses an opportunity to compete against international teams and gain valuable experience in the lead-up to global competitions.
The Challenger Series presents a platform for the Lionesses to showcase their skills, refine their strategies, and strengthen their squad. Competing against diverse teams from around the world will challenge the Lionesses, helping them improve and prepare for future tournaments, including Olympic qualifiers.
Building on Success: The Future of Women’s Rugby in Kenya
The Lionesses’ achievement in Ghana is a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and support staff who have worked tirelessly to elevate women’s rugby in Kenya. This success also underscores the potential of women’s rugby in Africa, where teams like Kenya, South Africa, and Madagascar are gaining recognition and respect on the global stage
For Kenyan rugby, the Lionesses’ success serves as a source of inspiration for young players and highlights the importance of investing in women’s sports. The team’s progress offers hope for further development of rugby infrastructure in Kenya, as well as increased support from the community and sponsors.
With more resources, training, and exposure, Kenya’s women’s rugby team has the potential to become a regular contender in international tournaments. Their participation in the 2025 Challenger Series will help increase the visibility of women’s rugby in Kenya and foster a new generation of female rugby talent.
A Bright Future for the Kenya Lionesses
The Kenya Lionesses’ performance in the 2024 Rugby Africa Women’s 7s, capped by a silver finish, is a major accomplishment that sets them up for even greater success. Their qualification for the 2025 Challenger Series highlights their progress and determination to excel on the international stage. The Lionesses have shown that they are capable of competing at the highest levels, and their journey reflects the strength and resilience of women’s rugby in Kenya.
As they prepare for the 2025 Challenger Series, the Kenya Lionesses will continue to inspire fans and young players alike, embodying the spirit of Kenyan sports. With hard work, unity, and a clear vision, the future looks promising for the Lionesses as they aim to bring more titles and recognition to Kenyan rugby.
