Kenya Lionesses are on the cusp of qualifying for the 2021 Rugby Women's World Cup after a resounding 37-5 victory over Uganda Lady-Cranes in the second Africa qualifier match at Bosman Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa on Tuesday.
This match was a follow-up to the Lionesses' crushing 35-5 win over Madagascar in their opening match, while South Africa mauled the Lady-Cranes 89-5 on the same day.
Grace Adhiambo's penalty kick gave Kenya an early 3-0 lead, but the Lionesses broke loose in the second half, with debutant flanker Naomi Amuguni slicing through the Lady Cranes' defense and putting through Janet Okello to land the first try of the match.
Okello sealed her brace with a brilliant display, and Adhiambo added the extras for a 15-0 lead. The Lionesses continued to be lethal with the ball in hand, making their way to the opponent's try line for the fifth time.
Janet Okello passed the ball to Stacy Atieno, who landed her first try in the qualifier, and Adhiambo missed the extras. Lady Cranes managed to land a corner post try, reducing the deficit to 20-5 after the conversion was short.
Adhiambo then landed two tries, chasing down Lady Cranes' defensive laps to score at the far corner. Her second try came after a classic interplay between Philadelphia Olando and Celestine Masinde. Sheila Chajira sealed the match with a centre post-try, and Janet Owino added the extras.
The Lionesses now prepare for the final and most crucial match of the qualifiers against South Africa on Saturday at 4:00pm, which will determine who qualifies directly for the World Cup and who heads to the Repechage.
