Despite putting up a spirited fight against South Africa in the second round of matches of Rugby Africa Women’s Cup, Kenya Lioness rugby team suffered a 19-12 defeat against world cup bound South African side on Wednesday 11th June at Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar.
The four teams tournament kicked off on June 7, 2025 pitting hosts Madagascar, Kenya, South Africa and Uganda in a round-robin format over three matchdays.
Aphiwe Ngwevu and Lerato Makua’s first half tries propelled the South Africans into a halftime lead despite Kenya showing glimpses of reducing the deficit. Despite the Lionesses’ resolute defence characterized by quick organization, effective communication, forward movement, and disciplined tackling,they unfortunately conceded a third try from Nobuhle Mjwara, which was converted by Zulu.
Kenya however reduced the deficit with tries from Freshia Oduor, converted by Sinaida Mokaya and Noleen Khaleyi. Despite being not enough to earn victory, it marked a major step forward for the Lioness who had suffered heavy defeats against South Africa including the 66-0 in 2021.
Kenya is now second on the table with 6 points behind leaders South Africa who have amassed nine points, Uganda with four while hosts Madagascar sit bottom with a single point.
A win for Kenya in their last match on June 15th against Uganda, an East African derby, will secure them one of the two continental spots for at the second tier women’s rugby union competition between national teams (WXV), while South Africa are well positioned for the top tier competition. On the other hand the bottom team will be relegated to Division 1.
