Kenya Lionesses pick losing bonus after falling to China
Rugby
By
Washington Onyango
| Feb 14, 2026
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.
READ MORE
Walk the talk to save our oceans, leaders advise governments
We need to stop cheering others and plan for 2030 tourney
World Cup: We need to stop cheering for others and work towards Kenya's moment in 2030
Why Kenya needs a major development coalition urgently
South Korea's ex-president gets 30 years over North Korea drone incident
Publicprivate partnerships can deliver universal access to clean water by 2030
We need a national developmentalist coalition urgently
Two men, same name, same land: 30yr court battle heads for supreme court
From aid to enterprise: Refugee businesses expand East Africa's economy
Ruto rewards Sawe Sh8m, car for breaking London marathon record
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