Rugby

Olympics: Kenya register first win hours after losing 31-0 to Great Britain

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.

Related Post
Share
Published by
Elizabeth Ngirau

Recent Posts

PSG could leave Parc des Princes after mayor turns down sale

French champions exploring ‘alternative options’ after Paris mayor says Parc des Princes is not for… Read More

January 17, 2023

A billion spent by Manchester United and they still trail Man City

Manchester United and Manchester City will clash this Saturday but who has spent more over… Read More

January 13, 2023

Nathan Jones hits back at his critics after Manchester City win

Nathan Jones: "I don't know if I changed perceptions. Within 10 minutes of the Brighton… Read More

January 12, 2023

Rashford double helps Man Utd past Charlton | Ten Hag: We are progressing

Man Utd beat League One side Charlton 3-0 at Old Trafford to reach the Carabao… Read More

January 11, 2023

Arsenal could face a huge FA Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester City at the Etihad

FA Cup fourth round could see Arsenal away to Manchester City; Gunners must beat Oxford… Read More

January 9, 2023

Gunners miss chance to go 10 points clear in stalemate

Arsenal are left frustrated by Newcastle's superb defence; Mikel Arteta's team are now eight points… Read More

January 4, 2023