Kenya Lionesses defeated hosts Madagascar 29-20 in their opening match of the Rugby Women's Africa Cup First Division clash in Antananarivo on May 20.
It was the hosts who went 3-0 up with a penalty but Grace Adhiambo landed twice for a 10-3 lead before referee Precious Pazani awarded the Lionesses a penalty try following repeated Madagascar infringements.
Leading 17-3 at the break, the hosts began the second half on a high, landing a converted try for a 17-10 score.
Judith Auma landed an unconverted try to put the Lionesses 22-10 up but Madagascar refused to go away, scoring to make it 22-15.
Natasha Emali’s big carry created the opportunity for Auma to land her brace, Anne Goretti converting for 29-15.
A late Madagascar try counted for nothing, a winning start for the Lionesses who next play South Africa on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Shujaa defeated Tonga 38-26 to register their second win of the playoff competition at the London 7s at Twickenham.
They led 26-7 at the break through Kevin Wekesa’s treble and Brian Tanga’s try with Tony Omondi kicking over three conversions.
Second-half tries from Nelson Oyoo and Eddy Anya saw Daniel Taabu converting. Tonga scored three second-half tries but counted for nothing as Shujaa grabbed the victory.
Kenya faces Uruguay on Sunday at 2.19 pm in a clash that determines who tops the pool and reaches the playoff final.
