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The Nairobian

Kenya Lionesses school Madagascar how to play rugby at RFUEA Grounds

Rugby

By Washington Onyango | Sep 20, 2024

**Kenya's Maureen Chebet in action against Madagascar.** [KRU,X]

Kenya Lionesses delivered a commanding performance on Friday, thrashing Madagascar 63-19 in a thrilling test match at the RFUEA Grounds.

In a match that saw the Lionesses come from behind, Kenya reminded their doubters of their dominance as they piled on points to seal an emphatic victory.

Madagascar took the early initiative, stunning the home crowd when Zouanah Fanantenana scored the first try of the match after a well-coordinated move from their backline. Ericka Razanakiniaina converted to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

However, Kenya responded swiftly. Grace Okulo’s short pass found a charging Stella Wafula, who powered over the line to score Kenya's first try, and the momentum shifted to the hosts.

Kenya quickly built on their early success, gaining a line-out from a perfectly executed 50-22 kick. A powerful maul brought them within reach, and a collapsed maul from Madagascar led to a penalty try for the Lionesses, giving them a 12-7 lead. The pressure mounted on the visitors as Kenya’s forwards created another maul, which resulted in a second try, stretching their advantage to 19-7.

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The Lionesses continued to dominate, with Sinaida Nyachio delivering a well-placed kick, which Freshia Awino chased down and grounded to make it 24-7. By this stage, Dennis Mwanja’s side was in full control. Awino then set up Maurine Chebet for a centre-post try, which was converted by Okulo to bring the score to 31-7.

Madagascar briefly found their footing when Vero Rasoanekena crossed the line to reduce the deficit to 31-14. However, Kenya wasn’t done yet. Diana Kemunto sold a brilliant dummy before finishing a dazzling move to score the Lionesses’ sixth try of the match, sending Kenya into halftime with a 36-14 lead.

In the second half, Rasoanekena once again displayed her pace, scoring Madagascar’s third try of the game. But the Lionesses responded with ruthless efficiency. Okulo extended Kenya’s lead, and Wafula added her second try after punishing Madagascar for trying to run the ball from deep inside their own zone. With a successful conversion, Kenya’s advantage swelled to 48-19.

Sheila Chajira further stretched the lead when she dived over the line after a quick tap penalty, making it 53-19. A miscalculated cross-kick from Madagascar fell kindly for Kenya, allowing Nyachio to race clear and add another try. Nyachio’s final contribution came through an up-and-under kick, which was superbly claimed by Freshia Awino, who secured the last try of the match, sealing a 63-19 victory.

As Madagascar now turn their focus to the upcoming WXV3 tournament in Dubai next weekend, Kenya Lionesses can celebrate a resounding triumph on home soil, showing once again why they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s rugby.