Kenya Lionesses face an acid test in the Africa Cup when they meet champions South Africa in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday.
It's a must-win game for Paul Murunga's charges after a 29-22 last-minute defeat to the hosts in the opening match on Saturday if they harbour ambitions of qualifying for next year's Rugby World Cup in England.
Murunga expressed disappointment at the officiating especially in the closing stages of the match with the score tied at 22-22.
“You can see the referee's hand signal calling for a penalty when we have won the ball from a lineout. It was a crucial juncture in the match and I believe we would have won the match had she given us a penalty,” said Murunga.
The Quins coach must be ready for a rampant South Africa side, who thrashed minnows Cameroon 55-0 in their opening match.
He expects his charges to rise to the occasion.
"It's going to be a big test for us. We are playing the favourites and for us to win the match, we must win the setpiece battle, scrum and lineout, play in the right areas of the pitch and be clinical in attack,” said Murunga.
He has made three changes as Faith Livoi moves from the second row to the backline. She starts at inside centre as part of a midfield partnership with Esther Juma with Lewin Amazimbi missing from the matchday squad.
Hesla Khisa, who came off the bench on Saturday, starts in the second row alongside Naomi Jelagat in a rejigged pack that sees Enid Ouma move from the blindside to number eight.
Mitchelle Akinyi starts in the back row after coming on as a substitute on Saturday.
Diana Kemunto, a starter in the previous match, will come off the bench while Nolin Khaleyi and Hellen Anyango could make their first starts of the tournament.
South Africa Coach Louis Koen expects a tough test.
“I know Kenya will come out hard to atone for that defeat. They are a quality side and we will treat them with utmost respect. We will not underestimate them,” said Koen.
The match will kick off at 1 pm East Africa time. Madagascar face Cameroon at 4 pm.
