Kenya Lionesses vice-captain Maureen Chebet in action against Madagascar
Kenya Lionesses must improve on defence, ball handling and efficiency in attack ahead of Wednesday's RugbyAfrica Cup encounter against South Africa, coach Dennis Mwanja has said.
The Lionesses were too strong for hosts Madagascar in their opening match, winning 28-5.
However, Mwanja feels they are not yet the complete article.
“We never had any buildup matches coming to the tournament. We used the long Sevens season to get into the game,” said Mwanja.
It was a dominant display from the Lionesses, who had 74 per cent possession, 61 per cent territory, 27 handling errors, 15 penalties conceded and 17 visits to the Madagascar 22.
Mwanja believes they have to work on their weaknesses.
"We created a lot of try scoring opportunities, but our handling errors let us down. The team looked rusty, but with a game under our belt, we should be sharper for the match against South Africa,” noted Mwanja.
"Defensively, our one-on-one tackles have to be sharper. We gave Madagascar too much space to run when they scored against us. We will work on improving those facets of play."
"South Africa are going to test us accordingly. We have to be well prepared for them," he said.
Against Madagascar, the Lionesses began brightly, putting the hosts under pressure and opening the scoring when towering lock Phoebe Akinyi barged over the line with Siniada Nyacheo slotting home the conversion for a 7-0 lead.
The hosts fought back and went through several phases, resulting in a try to cut the deficit to 7-5.
Mwanja's charges regrouped and their efforts were rewarded on the stroke of half time when Faith Livoi touched down at the corner for a 12-5 lead at the interval.
On resumption, the Lionesses had several chances to extend their advantage but poor handling and decision-making cost them.
However, Grace Okulu extended Kenya's lead to 18-5 with a penalty and a drop goal.
Stellah Wafula and Sinaida Mokaya scored a try each in the final quarter to put the game beyond Madagascar and atone for last year's 29-22 defeat in the same competition.
Champions South Africa blanked Uganda 62-7.
