Kenya to renew rivalry with Uganda at Rugby Africa Sevens semifinals

Kenya Lionesses captain Grace Adhiambo (center) in action against Ghana.[Rugby Afrique]

Kenya Lionesses will renew their rivalry with Uganda on Sunday when the two archrivals face off in the semifinals of the 2023 Rugby Africa Women's Sevens from 1.06pm EAT.

Lionesses qualified after finishing top of Group A where they finished unbeaten after seeing off Zambia 27-0, Ghana 41-0 and Madagascar 20-17.

With qualification to the Paris Olympics at stake, Kenya will hope to edge out Uganda. The winner of the Africa Sevens title will qualify for the Olympics. Zambia will face off against South Arica in the second semifinals.

In the opening group stage match against Zambia, Japan based Janet Okello got Kenya on the front foot after scoring an unconverted try before Stella Wafula made it 15-0 at the break with a double.

In the final half, Okello completed her brace before Dorcus Owino made it 27-0.

In the second match, Sharon Auma got Kenya to a perfect start after her 5-0 pointer got Lionesses 41-0 rout in progress against Zambia.

Stella Wafula made it 12-0 after Grace Adhiambo's successful conversion moments later as Kenya strolled to a huge 24-0 half time lead after Auma competed her brace with an unconverted try and Janet Okello also getting into the score sheet.

In the final half, Auma, Okello and Terry Ayesa sealed the win for Kenya.

In their final pool match, Kenya saw off Masdagascar 20-17 to finish top of the group and qualify for the quarterfinals today.

The winner of the tournament will qualify for the Olympics next year.

They will be hoping to emulate the Shujaa who booked their ticket to France after edging out South Africa in the finals.