The Kenya Lionesses rugby team started their Safari Sevens campaign on a winning note, beating the Junior Lionesses 19-5 in an all-Kenyan contest at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi on Friday. This match marked the beginning of the tournament, with the senior side demonstrating their skills and teamwork to secure a victory. The win sets a positive tone for the Lionesses' campaign.
Stella Wafula opened the scoring for the senior side with a fine run, showcasing her speed and agility on the field. The Junior Lionesses responded through Rose Okwemba, who finished off a good team move to level the scores at 5-5. This exchange of tries highlighted the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Junior Lionesses determined to put up a strong fight.
Freshia Oduor restored the senior side's advantage with a try late in the first half, giving the Lionesses a 12-5 lead at the break. The team's strategy and coordination allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Junior Lionesses struggled to find their rhythm. Moreen Muritu then scored in the second half to seal the 19-5 victory for the Lionesses.
In another match, Kenya's second-string women's side, the Shibli, suffered a painful 17-15 defeat to Tunisia in the opening women's fixture. Despite taking an early lead through Maxine Abuga, the Shibli were unable to hold off Tunisia's comeback, which saw them snatch victory with a last-minute try under the posts. This result was a setback for the Shibli, who had hoped to start their campaign on a winning note.
Uganda Lady Cranes also started their campaign with a win, joining Tunisia and the Lionesses among the early winners in the women's competition. This victory marked a strong beginning for the Lady Cranes, who will look to build on their momentum in the tournament. Meanwhile, invitational side Shogun put on a clinic against the Southern California Nomads, winning 38-0 in a one-sided match.
Shogun's Kaleem Barreto starred in the first half with a brilliant hat-trick, showcasing his impressive skills and speed on the field. The team's dominant performance was highlighted by tries from Van Reenen Kruger, Leachim Adams, and Mac Walsh, who all crossed the line to complete the blowout. This convincing win demonstrated Shogun's strength and depth as a team.
In an earlier fixture, the French Renegades put in a disciplined performance to defeat Wellington Jaguars 22-14 and pocket three points. This result marked a solid start for the Renegades, who will look to build on their momentum in the tournament. The Safari Sevens continues to showcase exciting matches and strong performances from teams, setting the stage for a thrilling competition.
Key points
- The Kenya Lionesses began their Safari Sevens campaign with a 19-5 win over the Junior Lionesses.
- The Shibli suffered a 17-15 defeat to Tunisia in the opening women's fixture.
- Shogun won 38-0 against the Southern California Nomads in a one-sided match.
