Kenya Lionesses head coach Simon Odongo has called on his team to rise to the occasion as they face defending champions South Africa in a crucial Women’s Rugby Africa Cup match today.

The Lionesses made a strong start to the tournament by defeating hosts Madagascar 28-5 in their opening match played over the weekend at Stade Makis in Antananarivo.

The victory was not only a great boost for Kenya, but it also avenged last year’s painful 29-22 loss to the same opponents during the 2025 Rugby World Cup qualifiers.

“This game was a good contest against a good side,” said Odongo.

“The Lionesses composed themselves and stuck to the game plan. Eventually, the game opened up. We missed some chances, but that’s expected after a long time without test match rugby.”

The 2025 Rugby Africa Cup serves as the pathway to the 2029 Women’s Rugby World Cup, which will be held in Australia.

Only the top team from this round-robin tournament, which includes Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and Madagascar, will qualify for the global showpiece.

Odongo’s side now faces their biggest challenge yet — a match against the Springbok Women, who are top of the table after a dominant 62-7 win over Uganda.

Both  Kenya and South Africa have five points each, but South Africa leads on point difference (+55) compared to Kenya’s (+23).

The match is a must-win for the Lionesses if they are to keep their World Cup dreams alive.

“We approach every game like a final,” Odongo said.

“So for South Africa, we’ll ask them questions from the first minute up to the final whistle. The aim is to always stay in the game and give a good account of ourselves.”

Kenya’s tries against Madagascar came from Phoebe Akinyi, Faith Livoi, Stellah Wafula, and Sinaida Mokaya.

Unfortunately, Odongo confirmed that Phoebe Akinyi will miss the rest of the tournament after suffering a concussion.

“Unfortunately, we’ve lost Phoebe who concussed earlier during the match. She’s out for the rest of the tournament as advised by the medical department,” said Odongo.

Despite the setback, the coach remains hopeful and focused.

“We have rested and recovered, now we go again,” he added.

The challenge for Kenya lies in their winless record against South Africa, who have won all their encounters against the East Africans.

That is why Springbok Women winger Patience Mokone believes they have the edge over Kenya.

This is our next job, and we want to get it done. For me personally, I have to focus on my role in the team and make sure I get that done.

“It is not about me today; it is about my contribution to the team. I have always played rugby that way, so nothing has changed,” said Mokone who scored two tries in their big win over Uganda.