By Mahlon Lichuma
The Kenya Lionesses will miss their first Olympics appearance in rugby since its introduction to the Games, after a disappointing 24-7 loss to China in Monaco.
Heading into this pivotal match, both teams were competing for the Olympic qualification scheduled to take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024 in France, with the Lionesses aiming for their third consecutive Games appearance following their participation in 2016 and 2021.
In the 2024 season, China emerged as a dominant force, with the Kenya Lionesses being the sole team to defeat them in the Challenger Series.
Despite controlling possession in the opening minutes, the Lionesses failed to take advantage. China capitalized on their chances, with Chen Keyi scoring early and Gu Yaoyao converting, giving China a 7-0 advantage.
Dennis Mwanja’s squad quickly responded when MIE Pearls Women’s Rugby Football Club duo Grace Okullo and Janet Okello combined forces to secure a try. Okullo broke through on the left wing before passing inside to Okello, who surged to the centre for a crucial try, levelling the score at 7-7.
However, China determined to secure the qualification, struck again just before halftime with Keyi scoring her second try, securing a 12-7 lead.
In the second half, Sun Yue extended China’s lead making it 17-7. Yaoyao later added another score, putting the game out of reach for the Kenya Lionesses.
The women’s Olympic rugby lineup now includes New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and the USA as the top four qualifiers from the 2023 World Series, along with hosts France. They are joined by Brazil, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa, Fiji, and Japan as winners of their respective regional qualification tournaments.
