Kenya Lionesses storm into Africa Women’s 7s semis after dominant win over Zimbabwe

The Kenya Lionesses powered their way into the semi-finals of the Africa Women’s 7s after a commanding 33–12 victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday morning at the RFUEA Grounds, extending a dominant run that saw them finish Day One unbeaten.

The hosts, who had dismissed both Ivory Coast and Ghana emphatically on Saturday, carried that momentum straight into the quarter-final clash. From the opening whistle, the Lionesses were on the hunt, and Freshia Awino set the tone with the first of her three tries, slicing through the Zimbabwe defence with ease.

Moments later, Nelly Chikombe turned on the afterburners down the left flank, racing clear for Kenya’s second try. Grace Adhiambo added the extras, and the Lionesses were already dictating the tempo.

Awino struck again before the break, dropping a shoulder and gliding past her marker for a 19-0 halftime lead that left Zimbabwe clinging on.

The Lady Cheetahs attempted a fightback at the restart, pulling one try back, but it only seemed to awaken the Lionesses. Awino completed her hat-trick in trademark fashion, sprinting straight down the middle to score beneath the posts. Adhiambo’s reliable boot stretched the lead to 26–5.

Zimbabwe responded with a second converted try, but the hosts ensured any hopes of an upset were quickly extinguished. Phoebe Akinyi barged over for Kenya’s fifth try of the morning, with Adhiambo converting once more to seal the 33–12 win and secure a place in the last four.

The quarter-final triumph capped a superb run that began with a flawless opening day.

Earlier on Saturday, the Lionesses booked their quarter-final slot after overwhelming Ghana 37–0 in their final pool match. That victory had come on the back of another ruthless display in their opener, a 44–0 demolition of the Ivory Coast.

Against Ghana, Kenya imposed themselves immediately, with Adhiambo finishing a fluid move to open the scoring. A series of Ghanaian penalties invited even more trouble, and Naomi Amuguni combined beautifully with Freshia Oduor to stretch the lead.

Janet Okello, one of Kenya’s most potent attacking weapons, added her trademark pace to the equation, darting through the defence for a try on the brink of halftime.

The second half produced more of the same. Okello secured her brace through another slick exchange of passes before Moreen Muritu added her name to the scoresheet. Chikombe then punished yet another Ghana infringement to close the match at 37–0 — the perfect finish to a spotless Day One for the hosts.

With three wins from three, 114 points scored, and none conceded on Saturday, the Lionesses entered the knockout rounds brimming with confidence, and their quarter-final performance duly confirmed that form.

Now, with a semi-final berth secured and home support behind them, Kenya will look to maintain their roaring momentum as they chase continental glory at the RFUEA Grounds.

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