Tokyo Olympics: Kenya Lionesses go down to Russia

Kenya Lionesses Janet Okello in action against Madagascar at the Sevens Solidarity Camp in Tunisia.[Courtesy]

Kenya Lionesses lost their second consecutive Tokyo Olympics match after going down 12-35 to Russia in their second Pool C women’s rugby sevens match played at the Tokyo Olympic Stadium on Thursday.

Both sides had lost their openers to New Zealand and Great Britain respectively and needed to bounce back to winning ways but it was the Russians who emerged victorious.

Russia had narrowly lost 12-14 to Great Britain while Kenya went down 7-29 to New Zealand.

In the match, Kenya trailed 14-12 at halftime after an inspiring comeback attempt before the Russians secured their first win with a commanding display in the final half.

Russia got off the blocks first with Nadezhda Sozonova touching down between the sticks for a 7-0 lead before Kristina Seredina doubled the lead off a scrum.

Speed star Janet Okello returned Kenya into the game with two quick tries before the break and trimming the gap to two points.

Russia would return in the final half looking brighter with Daria Shestakova and Alena Tiron landing their thirdand fourth try.

Marina Kukina sealed the win with the Russians fifth try of the match.

Just as Shujaa, Kenya will be hoping to beat Great Britain to improve their quarterfinal chances.

The matches will continue on Friday.