Kenya Lionesses winger Nelly Chikombe in action against Cote d’Ivoire
Kenya Lionesses delivered a commanding all-round performance as they powered to a 44–0 victory over Côte d’Ivoire, scoring nine tries in a one-sided contest that highlighted their attacking depth and clinical execution.
Kenya opened the scoring through Janet Okello, who dotted down after a quick, well-timed pass from Grace Okullo, giving the Lionesses a 5–0 lead despite a missed conversion by Nyachio. Okello struck again moments later, completing her brace following a smooth commit-and-pass sequence that left the Ivorian defence exposed.
Captain Chajira added to the tally with her first try of the tournament, pushing the score to 15–0, though the Lionesses continued to struggle from the tee with another missed conversion.
Okello completed her hat-trick before the halftime whistle, finishing off a flowing move to extend Kenya’s lead to 20–0 at the break.
In the second half, Freshia Oduor brought on as a replacement for Okello made an immediate impact, racing in for her first try of the tournament to stretch the margin to 27–0. Edith Nyachio then exploited open space to keep the scoreboard ticking, pushing the lead further to 32–0.
Faith Livoi showcased strength and precision as she powered through the middle to ground another try, making it 39–0. Debutant Nelly Chikombe closed the match in style, scoring her first-ever try for the Lionesses and sealing a dominant 44–0 victory.
English