Heartbreak as Kenya bows out of rugby world cup qualifiers
Heartbreak as Kenya bows out of the rugby world cup qualifiers
The Kenya rugby women’s team, popularly known as lionesses, have bowed out of the World cup repêchage round after going down narrowly 16-15 to visiting Colombia at the Nyayo national stadium.
The Lionesses put up a spirited fight but infringement, handling errors and discipline at the rucks cost the Felix Oloo coached side three yellow cards, leaving the team with a numerical disadvantage.
Colombia burly winger Maria Aizuaga was the tormentor in chief for her side as she managed to score two tries and slotting in two penalties for a comfortable lead just before the intervals.
However, Kenya speedy winger Janet Akello would offload to Leah Wambui who bulldozed her way to the try line for Lionesses first try of the afternoon.
Akello would be at it again with quick thinking at Colombia’s territory after the visitors caused an infringement with the slippery winger evading her defenders to score a five pointer for a 15-11 score line in favour of Kenya with Adhiambo missing the conversion.
Prior to the try scored, Kenya had showcased their intent with swift passes exchanged, forcing Colombia to knock on the ball.
However, with tackles being unleashed by both teams, it was Colombia who would take advantage of Kenya’s numerical disadvantage to score at the left corner for a 15-16 score line in favour of the visitors.
Kenya would search for the much-needed try, but time was the factor as they lost the ticket to compete in the women’s rugby world cup for the first time in their history.
Colombia will now compete with sides from Europe, Asia and Oceania (Samoa) for the last ticket to Rugby World Cup 2021 in New Zealand, which has been rescheduled for next year.
Initially, the match was supposed to be staged in April last year, but it was postponed due to a Covid-19 outbreak.
The Lionesses booked a date with Colombia after finishing second in the 2019 Rugby Africa Women’s cup, while the South American side beat Brazil 23-19 in their Sudamérica Rugby region playoff fixture.
