After conceding 66-0 in the first match on August 12, the brave Kenya 15s women’s rugby team scored against South Africa for the first time on Monday, August 16 at Danie Craven Stadium in South Africa.
Despite losing 29-22 to their hosts, they greatly improved in their performance in the second test fixture.
The Lionesses are set to jet back to Kenya on Tuesday, August 17, ahead of the repechage match against Colombia on Wednesday, August 25, at the Nyayo stadium.
The winner between the two teams will clash with the second-ranked teams from Asia, Europe and Oceania at a venue which is yet to be disclosed.
The Felix Oloo trained side got off to a bad start after conceding a try from Lusanda Dumke, converted by Zenay Jordaan in the opening 20 minutes.
However, Kenya cut the gap to within two points after scoring a try through Grace Adhiambo.
The second half started greatly as the Lionesses took a 19-17 lead after Adhiambo converted Janet Okello’s try.
Kenya’s Lindo then won a crucial turnover inside the Boks' 22-metre which resulted in a penalty that was successfully converted by Adhiambo for a 22-17 lead before the late tries dismantled Kenya’s hopes of at least tying the game on the final play.
This game result came after eleven changes were made to the Lionesses side before the second test against South Africa.
Grace Adhiambo Okulu, Christabel Lindo, Philadelphia Olando, Camilla Cynthia Atieno and Janet Okello made their first appearance in the game. While Linet Moraa was the only back who was retained as Mitch Ocholla handed starts to Judith Auma who came in from the bench.
Commenting on the move, Oloo was very optimistic that the changes would bring an improvement in the team’s performance.
“It will be exciting to see the seven players coming in on the 16th, they are a bit more experienced and understand the test matches environment much better,” stated Oloo.