World Cup Qualifier – Kenya v Colombia
It was an unforgettable occasion for the new-look World Cup in Nairobi’s national stadium. Kenya’s Lionesses met Los Tucanes from Colombia for the first time after an infinity of delay. On the result would hang their hopes for a place in the final stages in New Zealand.
It was impossible to read the runes. Colombia were playing thousands of miles from home on their first trip abroad. Kenya had suffered a string of losses, though their latest, against the Springboks, was by the narrow margin of 22-29.
The one pity was the absence of spectators. At least it allowed the cameras to admire the stadium whose terraces are decked out in the national colours.
The Game
Kenya went straight on the attack, and it took the Colombians nearly ten minutes to find their way out of their own half.
As the game developed, Los Tucanes showed greater awareness of the short route to the target. The home team, more adept at Sevens, had plenty of possession, but couldn’t profit from powerful drives.
Their attacks foundered on risky offloads that put the receiver under pressure.
And the Colombians had the greater strength at the set scrum. This gave them the launch-pad for nicely constructed attacks; twice these led to penalties which the left winger, Maria Arzuaga. knocked over. (0-6)
Half-time was approaching as the visitors put together their best attack thus far; it started from another dominant scrum. the back-row drove on; the ball was repossessed several times, then swung down the line to Arzuaga, who took her chance well in the left corner. (0-11)
Then right on 40 minutes Kenya developed a great attack. As the ball came out to Bernadette Olesia, she drove for the line but was held. The ball was recycled to No 8 Leah Wambui, who thrust straight over the line. Grace Adhiambo (No 10) added two vital points to reduce the gap to
Half-time: Kenya 7 Colombia 11
Kenya came out strongly in the second half. Adhiambo potted a penalty conceded by a deliberate knock-on, then Wambui made a great break. Fine handling took the ball into the Colombian 22 and from there Janet Okello (No 13) took a quick tap penalty to stride through for a vital try. (15-11)
Kenya’s chances had a setback when Wambui then Mitchelle Akinyi both received yellow cards. The Colombians didn’t run away with the game, but they did manage one try which turned out to be decisive. Arzuaga was again responsible, making her the sole contributor to her side’s points total. (15-16)
The teams did well to keep up the demanding pace. The last quarter saw possession switch constantly and both ends of the pitch come under threat.
A driving turnover in the 79th minute showed how determined the Lionesses were to achieve a final match-winning score. Then they won a penalty 35 metres out. Rather than risk an unlikely kick at goal they opted for a tap-and-go. The next moment they were themselves penalised. Los Tucanes rejoiced.
They go through to the next repechage stages where they will compete against Europe 2, Asia 2 and Samoa for a final place in New Zealand.
Result: Kenya 15 Colombia 16
Referee: Precious Pazani (Zimbabwe)
