The national women’s sevens rugby team,Lionesses, lost to South Africa 19-10 in the final of the Africa Rugby Sevens Women’s Championship held at University of Accra grounds,Accra,Ghana.
Enroute to the final Kenya had beaten Uganda 19-0 in the semi final. In the group stages Kenya beat Madagascar 22-17,hammered Mauritius 61-0,saw off hosts Ghana 10-5.
In the quarter final Kenya beat Ghana 48-0.
Against South Africa Kenya went ahead through Stela Wafula’s uncoverted try but South Africa Women SpringBoks Ayanda Malinga touched down shortly after to level the scores.The two teams went to the breather tied 5-5.
On resumption Kenya regained the lead through Sharon Auma’s try.But South Africa fought back scoring two converted tries in the dying minutes to win the match 19-10.
Following the second place finish Lionesses assured themselves a place in next year’s Challenger series which will see three Africa sides,Kenya,South Africa and Uganda battle for the honors in the global series, a qualification pathway for the World rugby sevens series.
Kenya Lionesses Squad:
Sheila Chajira,Captain, Grace Adhiambo(Nakuru RFC), Christabel Lindo(Impala Roans), Stellah Wafula (Impala Roans), Judith Auma(Impala Roans), Faith Livoi(Mwamba RFC), Diana Awino(Impala Roans), Moreen Muritu(Nakuru RFC), Sinaida Mokaya, Diana Kemunto(Impala Roans), Sharon Auma(Impala Roans), Freshia Awuor (Nakuru RFC).