Kenya Lionesses registered their first win at the Tokyo Olympics after defeating hosts Japan 21-17 on Friday morning.

Kenya took a commanding 14-5 halftime lead before Japan rallied to move 17-14 up late in the final half forcing the African Queens to dig deep and a last-minute try saw the East Africans seal the victory and qualify for the Tokyo Olympics ninth place playoff slated for Saturday morning.

Hara Wakaba gave the hosts a 5-0 lead after dogging a defensive tackle from Sauda Aura to score Japan’s unconverted try at the left corner.

Kenya responded through Grace Adhiambo who raced down to touch after being fed by Camilla Atieno to take a narrow 7-5 lead after conversion.

Aura doubled the scores after being released by Janet Okello off a scrum for a comfortable 14-5 halftime lead.

Japan would return with a much brighter and aggressive start that saw Foide Mifuyu trim the scores to within four points with their second unconverted try to put the scores at 14-10.

Marin Kajiki would then give the hosts a 17-14 lead after bagging a converted try.

With time winding up, Felix Oloo coached side put up a strong push and Camilla Atieno would inspire Kenya to their first win after crossed over the white wash for the winning try.

Kenya will now face Canada who thrashed Brazil 45-0 to reach the ninth place play-off. Japan and Brazil will meet in the 11th place playoff.

Earlier on, Kenya lost 31-0 to Great Britain in their last pool match.