SA bring semis end to Kenyas Hong Kong run

Kenya’s Hong Kong Sevens run ended on Friday as South Africa battled to earn a 12-7 sudden death win over the Lionesses in a cliff-hanger of a semi-final.

The Lionesses had claimed a maiden win over their opponents in the group stages but failed to replicate that memorable performance as Joordan Zenay punished them after Janet Owino was sin binned for interfering with play.

Janet Okello who was having an amazing tournament converted her sixth successful try of the tournament soon after a superb run that saw her step on the gas to restore parity for the Kenyans.

Doreen Remour adding the extras to level matters 7-7 all in Hong Kong but the one player advantage was capitalised after Kenyans greased tackles in the try box.

A Zinhle Ndawonde’s try at sudden death broke the tender but brave hearts of the Lionesses the game ending 12-7 in favour of the South Africans who stride to the finals and will play China who knocked out Belgium in the other semi-finals pairings.

In the quarterfinals stage Doreen Remour’s try in sudden death extra time saw Kenya reach the Women’s Sevens World Series qualifier semi-final with a 17-12 win over a tough Argentina opponent.

The Argentina’s possessed the ball for large spells of the fixture and were soon repaid going over the whitewash through skipper Sofia Gonzalez for an unconverted try.

Speedster Sinaida Aura scored for Kenya late in the half with a clean pair of wheels to restore parity for the East Africans before the intervals for 5-5 tie.

Fullback Janet Okello’s try gave Kenyans the lead for the first time in this match with a solo try but Gonzalez Ages scored a converted try to tie things up at full time.

The Lionesses would lose Janet Owino to injury minutes into extra time but were still able to juggle up the killer punches from the Argentines.

Super Substitute Celestine Masinde provided an assist to a charging Remour in space to pursuit clear score the all important try, to set up the repeat clash in the semi final against South Africa.

The winner of the final that pits South Africa and China will not only scoop the silverware but earn also earn a core status thus qualify for the World Women’s 7s series.