Kenya Lionesses maul Zambia to begin Olympic qualifiers in victorious fashion

Janet Okello and Stellah Wafula scored two tries each as the Kenya Lionesses started their Olympics qualification with a 27-0 thrashing of Zambia at the Africa Sevens in Tunis, Tunisia on Saturday.

Okello opened the scoring for Kenya before Wafula added the second to put Dennis Mwanja’s charges 10-0 ahead in the early proceedings.

Wafula would seal her brace moments later for a 15-0 lead in favour of the Lionesses, an advantage they held on up to halftime.

After the break, Diana Awino got her name on the scoresheet with Kenya’s fourth try which was converted by Grace Okulu for a 22-0 lead before Okello completed her brace for the 27-0 win.

It is the start Mwanja had hoped for his team who are looking to secure the title and qualify for the Olympics for a second straight time.

Mwanja named a squad of 12 which has a mix of experience and promising young talents, seeking to make a significant impact on the international stage.

The squad comprises a dynamic and versatile group of athletes which include Sharon Auma, Stella Wafula, Phoebe Akinyi, Judith Okumu, Grace Adhiambo, Janet Okello, Diana Awino, Terry Ayesa, Naomi Amuguni, Maureen Muritu, Dorcas Nyachio and Christabel Lindo.

With a rigorous training regimen and international exposure, the Kenyan squad is hoping to emulate their male counterparts by staying unbeaten and walking with away with the title plus the ticket to the 2024 Games in Paris, France.

Kenya will take on Ghana and Madagascar in their subsequent games and can seal a place in the cup quarters if they secure victory against the West Africans.