Leading 17-3 at the break, the Kenya Lionesses defeated hosts Madagascar 29-20 in their Rugby Africa Women’s Cup First division clash in Antananarivo on Saturday afternoon.
It was the hosts who went 3-0 up with a penalty but Grace Adhiambo landed twice for a 10-3 lead before referee Precious Pazani awarded the Lionesses a penalty try following repeated Madagascar infringements.
The hosts began the second half on a high, landing a converted try for a 17-10 score.
Judith Auma landed an unconverted try to put the Lionesses 22-10 up but Madagascar refused to go away,scoring to make it 22-15.
Natasha Emali’s big carry created the opportunity for Auma to land her brace, Anne Goretti converting for 29-15.
A late Madagascar try counted for nothing, a winning start for the Lionesses who next play South Africa on Wednesday.