The Kenya Lionesses kicked off their Challenger Series with a 20-5 victory over Samoa in Cape Town. Captain Grace Okullo shined with three tries, while Samoa scored only once through Malia Nikalau. The Lionesses will face Poland next in their quest for a top-four finish to secure a playoff spot.
The Kenya National Women’s Rugby Sevens team, known as the Kenya Lionesses, commenced their Challenger Series with a commanding 20-5 victory over Samoa on March 1, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. After an initial struggle against Samoa’s defense, captain Grace Okullo broke through on the left wing to score the first try, putting Kenya ahead 5-0, despite an unsuccessful conversion attempt.
Near halftime, Kenya increased the pressure, resulting in Samoa receiving their second yellow card. Exploiting the advantage, Okullo scored again, extending the lead to 10-0, which they maintained until halftime. This strategic play highlighted Kenya’s ability to capitalize on numerical superiority, a critical aspect in rugby sevens.
In the second half, Samoa responded by narrowing the gap to 10-5 when Malia Nikalau evaded two defenders to score. However, the Lionesses responded assertively; Naomi Amuguni added an unconverted try, bringing the score to 15-5. Shortly thereafter, Okullo completed her hat trick, secureing the final score of 20-5 in favor of Kenya.
The Lionesses are set to face Poland later in the day at 7:30 PM. Last year, they finished the Challenger Series final with a narrow 19-12 defeat to South Africa, and this year they aim for a top-four finish in the standings to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament.
Advancing as one of the top eight teams from the opening rounds is crucial for Kenya, as it will allow them to compete in the third leg of the Challenger Series in Krakow, Poland, scheduled for April 11-12. Following that, the top four teams will qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament in Los Angeles on May 3-4, vying for a position in the prestigious HSBC SVNS circuit.
The Kenya Lionesses have made a strong start in the Challenger Series with a decisive 20-5 win over Samoa. With two tries by captain Grace Okullo and another by Naomi Amuguni, they showcased their offensive capabilities. The team’s focus now shifts to their upcoming match against Poland, as they pursue qualification for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
