Kenya Lionesses keep Paris Olympics dream alive

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Oct 14, 2023
Janet Okello of Kenya Lionesses (right) in action against Madagascar.[Rugby AFrica]

Kenya Lionesses kicked off their hunt for a spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics with an astounding show of might during the opening day of the 2023 Rugby Africa Women's Sevens played in Tunis on Saturday.

Lionesses finished unbeaten after seeing off Zambia 27-0, Ghana 41-0 and Madagascar 20-17.

In the opening match, Japan based Janet Okello got Kenya on the front foot after scoring an unconverted try before Stella Wafula made it 15-0 at the break with a double.

In the final half, Okello completed her brace before Dorcus Owino made it 27-0.

Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo (right) in action against Madagascar.[Rugby Africa]

In the second match, Sharon Auma got Kenya to a perfect start after her 5-0 pointer got Lionesses 41-0 rout in progress against Zambia.

Stella Wafula made it 12-0 after Grace Adhiambo's successful conversion moments later as Kenya strolled to a huge 24-0 half time lead after Auma competed her brace with an unconverted try and Janet Okello also getting into the score sheet.

In the final half, Auma, Okello and Terry Ayesa sealed the win for Kenya.

Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo (center) in action against Ghana.[Rugby Africa]

In their final pool match, Kenya saw off Masdagascar 20-17 to finish top of the group and qualify for the quarterfinals on Sunday.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Olympics next year.

They will be hoping to emulate the Shujaa who booked their ticket to France after edging out South Africa in the finals.

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