✕

Kenya Lionesses pick losing bonus after falling to China

Rugby
By Washington Onyango | Feb 14, 2026
Kenya Lioness vs Brazil during their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match at Nyayo Stadium on February 14, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Kenya Lionesses put in a second-half comeback attempt but fell to 15-12 China in their second match of the ongoing 2026 Nairobi HSBC SVNS being staged at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday.

Le Zhang scored in the opening minute as China led 5-0 before Sun Yue stretched the Asians' lead to 10-0 three minutes later. Ge Chenjie also crossed over at the stroke of half-time as China led 15-0 despite missing all three conversions.

In the final half, it was all a Kenyan affair after Freshia Oduor shrugged off two defenders to score a centre post try with less than a minute left.

France-based Grace Adhiambo then sprinted to score the Lionesses second try, but it was too late as China held on to win.

However, Kenya picked an important losing bonus that will surely come in handy during the rankings.

Kenya Lioness vs Brazil during their 2026 HSBC SVNS 2 match at Nyayo Stadium on February 14, 2026. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Earlier on, the Lionesses came from 12-0 down to edge out Brazil 15-12 in their opening match.

Jante Okello, Stella Wafula and Naomi Amuguni all crossed over the white wash as Kenya completed a second-half comeback and stayed well on course to qualify for the World Championship that doubles as qualifiers for Division One.

In other matches, Argentina picked up their second win after downing Spain 19-17. The South Americans had thrashed China 20-10 in their opener.

Brazil, meanwhile, bounced back to winning ways by edging out South Africa 12-0

Share this story
Nairobi United motivated by sponsorship deal ahead of Gor duel
Despite heavy spending in the transfer window, Naibois are 14th on the log with a paltry four points from five matches (four draws and a loss).
Another blow as Mercy Oketch fails doping test
The agency published names of athletes in a list headlined sprint sensation, world 4x400m mixed relays bronze medallist Mercy Oketch.
Kuria savours Standard County Golf Classic victory
Kuria fired 42 stableford points to walk away with a one night for two at Oltukai Lodge in Amboseli.
Young Lionesses maul Fiji as Richard makes triathlon history
Kenyan girls fought gallantly against the wounded Fijians who were fighting for survival after launching their campaign with a heavy 21-4 defeat to China.
Ousted FKF members break silence after dismissal
Shikanda, a former Kenyan international, said their ouster was illegal, claiming that the genuine delegates were locked out.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS