Kenya Lionesses delivered a commanding performance on Friday, coming from behind to demolish Madagascar 63-19 in a thrilling test match played at RFUEA Grounds.
The Lionesses, under coach Dennis Mwanja, showed their class and resilience after an early setback to secure an emphatic win on home soil.
Madagascar opened the scoring through Zouanah Fanantenana, who finished a well-executed backline move, with Ericka Razanakiniaina converting for a 7-0 lead.
The visitors’ early breakthrough, however, seemed to spark Kenya into action. In response, Grace Okulo provided a short pass to Stella Wafula, who charged through the defence to score Kenya’s first try.
Kenya seized control of the game soon after, winning a line-out from a precise 50-22 kick. A strong maul brought the Lionesses within striking distance, resulting in a collapsed maul and a penalty try. This not only put Kenya ahead 12-7 but also saw Madagascar temporarily reduced to 14 players.
The Lionesses capitalized on their numerical advantage. Another driving maul resulted in a second try, extending the lead to 19-7. A well-placed kick from Sinaida Nyachio found Freshia Awino, who grounded it to push the score to 24-7. Kenya’s dominance was clear by this point.
Maurine Chebet added another centre-post try, set up by Awino, with Okulo converting to stretch the lead to 31-7. Despite a brief response from Madagascar, with Vero Rasoanekena touching down to make it 31-14, the Lionesses went into halftime firmly in control after Diana Kemunto finished off a brilliant move with a try, bringing the score to 36-14 at the break.
In the second half, Rasoanekena added her second try for Madagascar, narrowing the gap to 36-19, but Kenya’s relentless attack continued. Okulo, Wafula, and Sheila Chajira each crossed the try line, extending the lead further. Wafula’s second try came from a brilliant interception as Madagascar attempted to run the ball from their own zone.
Nyachio added to the tally after a cross-kick bounced favourably, and her final contribution was an up-and-under kick that Awino superbly claimed for the last try of the match, sealing a resounding 63-19 victory for the Lionesses.
Madagascar will now turn their attention to the WXV3 tournament in Dubai, set to begin next weekend, while Kenya Lionesses can celebrate an emphatic triumph, affirming their dominance on the international stage.
