South Africa lift cup: Defending champs beat Kenya to recapture Africa Women’s trophy

By RODGERS ESHITEMI

Cisse sira Camara (right) of Senegal holds on Kenya’s Philadelphia Olado during their CAR rugby match at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos, yesterday. PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO / STANDARD]

South Africa successfully defended the Confederation of African Rugby Women’s Africa Cup Seven’s title after beating hosts Kenya 15-0 in the Cup final, at the Kenyatta Stadium, yesterday.

It’s the second time the two teams were meeting in the one-day continental tourney after Kenya lost 21-12 in the preliminaries.

Instrumental Nosi Goda scored a try on either half with Zenoy Jadaan converting for visitors to retain the title.

Despite the defeat Kenya Lioness Coach Kevin Wambua was proud of his girl’s performance.

“We need more matches of this caliber for us to be able to compete with teams like South Africa. This is our second tournament after the Hong Kong IRB series and I think they girls played their hearts out-they’ve proved that they can perform like Shujaa team,” said Wambua.

His opposite number Renfred Dazel, was more than happy to have defended the title, but praised Kenya for their fighting spirit.

Kenya stormed into Cup final after stunning Tunisia 14-10 as South Africa whitewashed Zimbabwe 43-0 in the other semis.

Tunisia opened the scoring through Rewya Thmani’s try in the fourth minute, but Linda Nandwa  leveled the scores before Janet Owino converted for Kenya to lead 7-5 at half time. Doreen Remour extended the lead after the break Owino with making another conversion, before Tunisian Houda Benabojilee scored a try for the match to end 14-10.

Tunisia took the lead through Rewya Thmani, before Rachel Adhiambo touched down to level the score before Janet Awino scored her conversion to make it 7-5 half time.

On resumption, Doreen remour dummy raced to the touchline and stretch kenya’s lead, Janet Awino converted, but Tunisian Houda Benabojilee scored try but could not propel her side into the final as the match ended 14-10.

In the Group stages, Kenya beat Madagascar 31-19 and Senegal 22-0 before falling to South Africa.

In the other categories, Uganda won bowl while Tunisia won plate as Senegal clinched the Shield competition.

By Ben Ahenda 47 mins ago
Boxing
Andiego eyes Olympics slot after victory at Nelson Mandela Cup
Football
FKF-PL: Are fans back to the stadiums or it is false hopes?
By AFP 23 hrs ago
Football
Bellingham brings Real Madrid to brink of La Liga title with Clasico winner
By AFP 1 day ago
Football
It's Man United verses Man City in FA Cup final