Madagascar seal double over Kenya Lionesses to win Africa Cup

Madagascar on Sunday completed a double over Kenya Lionesses in the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup after narrowly edging out the hosts 10-0 in the return leg match played at Nyayo Stadium.

Two tries scored in both halves was enough to hand the Lady Makis their second straight win over the Lionesses which transforms to a 37-15 aggregate win. Kenya lost 27-15 in the first leg.

Zaya Dinaharisoa gave the visitors the lead in the opening five minutes of the match after racing off a scrum in a deserted left wing to score at the corner to give Madagascar a 5-0 lead after conversion went wide.

Despite the Lioness launching numerous attacks looking for a response, their build-up play was occasionally penalized by the referee for ball handling errors, player positioning and contact errors.

Kenya suffered from the sheer pace of the Lady Makis for the entire first half on the outside channels but could not be faulted for their overall improved defense as they held on for a narrow 5-0 Madagascar lead at the breather.

In the final half, Kenya came out a much-improved side as they pinned Madagascar in their own territory but failed to make the possession count.

Madagascar captain Veronique Rasoanekena would beat her markers to score the second unconverted try to seal the win.

Rasoaneka was awarded as the player of the match.

AGENCIES