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Kenya were run close but eventually secured the win with Grace Adhiambo and Judith Akumu each scoring a brace.
Grace Adhiambo and Judith Akumu each scored two tries as Kenya Lionesses beat hosts Madagascar 29-20 to begin their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup on a high.
Madagascar drew first blood through a penalty but Kenya responded when Adhiambo scored her first try after pouncing on Sinaida Mokaya's crosskick to touch down for 5-3 in their favour.
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15:00 - 17.05.2023
RUGBY Lionesses skipper Chajira reveals how rugby changed her life for the better
The Impala star lost her parents at a young age and nearly slipped into irreverence had it not been for her dedication to the game
Adhiambo then silenced the Stade Makis when she sealed her brace at the corner before repeated infringements by Madagascar saw Kenya awarded a penalty try which took their lead to 17-3 at halftime.
Despite being down to 13, Madagascar were the stronger side at the start of the second half and the pressure paid off as they scored a converted try to reduce the deficit to 17-10.
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20:56 - 15.05.2023
RUGBY Mwanja 'quietly confident' Lionesses will take Africa Women’s Cup by storm
The women's national rugby 15s side will be taking on Madagascar, South Africa and Burkina Faso.
That woke up the Lionesses from their slumber and a big carry from Natasha Emali saw her take out her defender before passing to Akumu, who spotted the gap and raced forward to touch down.
Akumu would soon complete her brace after capitalising on Madagascar’s indiscipline with Ann Goretti converting for a 29-15 lead. Lionesses then had a player sent off, a situation Madagascar took advantage of, and scored a try to bring the scores to 29-20.
It was a good start for Kenya who have a tough assignment against South Africa on Wednesday before completing their campaign with a meeting with Cameroon on Sunday, May 28.
The experience of Dennis Mwanja’s side told on Saturday and they will need plenty of that against the highly-fancied South Africans.
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15:06 - 16.05.2023
RUGBY Kenya Lionesses reveal squad for Africa Women’s Cup
Kenya will be banking on the quality of their squad as they eye the continental title amid stiff competition from South Africa.
The winner of the tournament will qualify for the second tier of the newly-launched World Rugby WXV with the runner up qualifying for the third tier of the same competition which is intended to revolutionise the women’s international rugby landscape.
It will for the first time provide a meaningful pathway for all unions and a competitive springboard towards an expanded 16-team Rugby World Cup in 2025.
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