This archive report was first published on 10 August 2019.
Published on August 10, 2019, Kenya's Lionesses secured a convincing 35-5 win over Madagascar in their Africa Cup opener at the Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Celestine Masinde scored two tries, while Philadelphia Olando, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, and Christabel Lindo also touched down for Kenya. Irene Otieno and Janet Owino struck a conversion and penalty respectively.
Madagascar's solitary unconverted try was not enough to stop the Kenyans from dominating the match. The Lionesses now shift focus to their second match against Uganda on Tuesday, with a win over their East African neighbours set to move them a step closer to securing their maiden qualification to the 2021 Women's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
The winner of the tournament will secure automatic qualification to the World Cup, while the silver medalists will clash with South American opposition in a one-off fixture. The playoff winner will then head to a four-team repechage next year where the final ticket to New Zealand will be up for grabs.
