Kenya Lionesses triumphed 20-5 against Samoa in their Challenger Series opener. Captain Grace Okullo scored three tries, contributing significantly to the win. The Lionesses strive for a top-four finish to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoffs, with their next match against Poland scheduled for later today.
The Kenya National Women’s Rugby Sevens team, known as the Kenya Lionesses, secured their first win in the Challenger Series with a decisive 20-5 victory against Samoa on March 1, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. Captain Grace Okullo initiated the scoring with a try on the left wing, putting Kenya ahead 5-0 despite a missed conversion.
Towards the end of the first half, Samoa received their second yellow card, allowing Kenya to take advantage of the situation. Okullo added her second try, increasing Kenya’s lead to 10-0, which they maintained as the half concluded. Samoa struggled with disciplinary issues, impacting their performance against a determined Kenyan side.
The second half began with Samoa exploiting a defensive error by Kenya, leading Malia Nikalau to score, narrowing the gap to 10-5. However, the Lionesses retaliated quickly; Naomi Amuguni scored another try, pushing the lead to 15-5. Okullo completed her hat trick shortly after, finalizing the score at 20-5, ensuring a strong victory for Kenya.
Looking ahead, the Lionesses are preparing to compete against Poland later in the day at 7:30 PM. Having previously lost to South Africa in the past Challenger Series final, they aim to secure a top-four finish for a chance to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament.
The initial rounds will determine which teams advance to the third leg of the Challenger Series set for April 11-12 in Krakow, Poland. The top four teams will further qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament in Los Angeles scheduled for May 3-4, where they will seek a position in the prestigious HSBC SVNS circuit.
The Kenya Lionesses’ victory against Samoa marks a promising start in the Challenger Series, highlighting key performances, namely from captain Grace Okullo. Their next match against Poland is crucial for maintaining momentum in their quest for playoff qualification. As they progress through the tournament, securing a top-four finish remains essential for competing on a global stage.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
