Naomi Jelagat has been given the nod to replace Phoebe Akinyi in the Kenya Lionesses' 15s squad for today's crucial Rugby Africa Cup match against South Africa at the Stade Makis in Antananarivo, Madagascar, at 1:00 PM.
Head coach Simon Odongo has entrusted Jelagat with the starting lock position following Akinyi's concussion sustained during their weekend clash with Madagascar.
In a tactical reshuffle, the technical bench has made two key positional changes in the backline. The dynamic Grace Okulu shifts to outside centre, while Moreen Muritu takes the reins as the starting flyhalf. Faith Livoi, who has been in superb form, will start at inside centre, with veteran Stella Wafula moving to the blindside wing.
Odongo emphasised the importance of rotation, ensuring that every player in the squad gets game time to maintain match fitness and rhythm.
“Mitchell Akinyi joins the team as the utility forward in place of Jelagat, who starts, and Angel Charity Juma also replaces Diana Awino as the utility back."
"We aim to ensure that at least each travelling member gets some game time because they worked hard to be part of this squad,” Odongo noted.
The forward pack remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in the scrums and lineouts.
Lionesses' last meeting against South Africa was at the 2025 HSBC Sevens promotion and relegation playoffs tournament in Los Angeles.
The match saw Lionesses edge out South Africa 17-14, booking their place in the 2026 HSBC SVNS Division 2. The Lionesses kicked off their Africa Cup campaign with a dominant 28-5 win over Madagascar.
Akinyi was first on the scoresheet, powering over for the opening try, which was smoothly converted by Sinaida Nyachio for a 7-0 lead.
Madagascar responded with an unconverted try, but Faith Livoi’s corner post try gave Kenya a solid 12-5 lead at halftime, despite an unsuccessful conversion attempt.
The second half saw the Lionesses continue their momentum. Okulu stretched the lead with a well-executed penalty, before slotting a drop goal to take the score to 18-5. Wafula added a try, which went unconverted, pushing the score to 23-5. Mokaya sealed the victory with a final try, which also went unconverted, securing Kenya's dominant 28-5 win.
With the Africa Cup serving as a qualifier for the 2029 Women's Rugby World Cup in Australia, the Lionesses know the importance of securing convincing victories in the round-robin competition to keep their World Cup dream alive.
Starting Line-up
1. Natasha Emali 2. Naomi Muhanji 3. Jane Chanya 4. Maureen Chebet (VC) 5. Naomi Jelagat 6. Enid Ouma (C) 7. Naomi Amuguni 8. Sheila Chajira 9. Edith Nariaka (VC) 10. Moreen Muritu 11. Stella Wafula 12. Faith Livoi 13. Grace Okulu 14. Freshia Awino 15. Sinaida Nyachio
Reserves
16. Knight Otwoma 17. Noleen Khaleyi 18. Sheila Wesa, 19. Mitchell Akinyi 20. Doris Kimani 21. Ann Njeri 22. Christabel Lindo 23. Juma Angel Charity.
