Lionesses storm into quarterfinals with unbeaten run

Kenya Lionesses secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Women’s 7s after delivering two spotless performances on the opening day, capping their campaign with a convincing 37-0 win over Ghana today at the RFUEA Grounds, Nairobi.

The result came on the back of an equally ruthless showing earlier in the day, where Kenya brushed aside Ivory Coast 44-0.

Their second meeting of the evening brought a sense of déjà vu, as the Lionesses once again overpowered Ghana, echoing the resounding 41-0 victory they recorded at the 2024 edition.

Kenya quickly asserted their rhythm, dictating play with sharp passing and coordinated movement. Grace Adhiambo was first on the scoreboard, finishing off a smooth attacking sequence to hand the hosts early control.

Ghana’s strategy to slow the game down faltered when a costly infringement gifted Kenya a lineout deep in opposition territory. Naomu Amuguni rose highest to claim the ball before combining neatly with Freshia Oduor, who crossed the chalk for Kenya’s second try.

Amuguni nearly claimed a try of her own minutes later but was halted just short of the line. The pressure, however, stayed squarely on Ghana.

Right on the stroke of halftime, Janet Okello sliced through the defence with one of her trademark runs, grounding Kenya’s third try to give the Lionesses a comfortable cushion at the break.

The second half opened with Kenya maintaining their relentless momentum. A well-drilled lineout set the platform for another flowing move that released Okello out wide she needed no second invitation to secure her brace, stretching the lead to 27-0.

Moreen Muritu then added to the tally with an unconverted try as Kenya continued to exploit gaps in Ghana’s defensive setup.

The final act came after yet another Ghanaian infringement. From the resulting possession, Nelly Chikombe bulldozed her way over the line for the last try eerily mirroring her score earlier in the day against Ivory Coast—locking in the 37-0 victory.

The Lionesses now turn their focus to a quarterfinal clash against Zimbabwe tomorrow.