The national women’s rugby team faced a challenging 48-0 loss to South Africa in the second match of their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup campaign in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The Lionesses struggled to find their footing in the first half, conceding six tries to the dominant South Africans. Nomawethu Mabenge achieved a remarkable hattrick, while Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Zintle Mpupha, Sizophila Solontsi, and Chumisa Qawe each contributed with tries.
By halftime, the Women Boks had amassed a commanding 34-0 lead, benefitting from a resolute defensive performance and capitalizing on their opponents’ handling errors.
A yellow card to Grace Adhiambo further hindered the Lionesses’ efforts as South Africa took advantage of the numerical superiority to apply pressure in the Kenyans’ territory.
The second half started with both teams striving to establish a rhythm, but the Kenyans found difficulty in breaking free from their defensive half. Mpupha extended South Africa’s lead with her second try of the match, capitalizing on well-executed passes between the Boks’ backs and forwards.
However, the Lionesses displayed resilience and launched several courageous attacks, putting the South African backs on the defensive for a significant portion of the second half. Despite their determined efforts, the Kenyan team struggled to breach the Boks’ solid defense and secure a try.
Throughout the game, ill-discipline led to three Lionesses players – Lusanda Dumke, Unam Tose, and Mabenge – receiving yellow cards at different intervals. Despite their strength, the Kenyan team couldn’t convert their opportunities into points.
In the final moments of the match, the Lionesses’ missed chances came back to haunt them as Mabenge broke through out wide, dashing over the try line to further solidify South Africa’s victory.
Regardless of the result, team captain Sheila Chajira commended her teammates for their valiant effort, acknowledging their unwavering commitment from the first minute to the last.
Looking ahead, Chajira emphasized the crucial nature of their next game against Cameroon, stating that it is a do-or-die situation and the team will give their all to secure a victory.
Following their opening victory against Madagascar (29-20), the Lionesses will face West African opponents in their upcoming match at the same venue.
