Kenya Lionesses pick losing bonus after falling to China
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Feb 14, 2026
Kenya Lionesses put in a second-half comeback attempt but fell to 15-12 China in their second match of the ongoing 2026 Nairobi HSBC SVNS being staged at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.
Le Zhang scored in the opening minute as China led 5-0 before Sun Yue stretched the Asians' lead to 10-0 three minutes later. Ge Chenjie also crossed over at the stroke of half-time as China led 15-0 despite missing all three conversions.
In the final half, it was all a Kenyan affair after Freshia Oduor shrugged off two defenders to score a centre post try with less than a minute left.
France-based Grace Adhiambo then sprinted to score the Lionesses second try, but it was too late as China held on to win.
However, Kenya picked an important losing bonus that will surely come in handy during the rankings.
READ MORE
Over 300 people displaced as heavy rains batter Mombasa
New 2030 plan targets billions in financing for farmers and MSMEs
Maina named Vision 2030 acting director
New initiative to increase accessibility to spectacles launched
Kenya's path to first-world status requires civic reform
To get it right, let us start right: How Kenya can best reclaim Vision 2030
Murang'a leads counties in jobs, digital services
Indiza, Wakhu, Mediratta start early preps for 2027 MKO
Murang'a tops ranking as rural counties lag in service automation
Ombudsman orders ministry to bin unlawful Sh30 SMS charge for Grade 10 placement results
Earlier on, the Lionesses came from 12-0 down to edge out Brazil 15-12 in their opening match.
Jante Okello, Stella Wafula and Naomi Amuguni all crossed over the white wash as Kenya completed a second-half comeback and stayed well on course to qualify for the World Championship that doubles as qualifiers for Division One.
In other matches, Argentina picked up their second win after downing Spain 19-17. The South Americans had thrashed China 20-10 in their opener.
Brazil, meanwhile, bounced back to winning ways by edging out South Africa 12-0