On March 1, 2025, the Kenya Lionesses secured a 20-5 victory against Samoa in their Challenger Series opener in Cape Town. Captain Grace Okullo scored three tries, leading her team to a promising start. The Lionesses are set to face Poland next, aiming for a top-four finish to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoffs.
The Kenya National Women’s Rugby Sevens team, known as the Kenya Lionesses, commenced their Challenger Series campaign with a commanding 20-5 victory against Samoa on March 1, 2025, in Cape Town, South Africa. The Lionesses demonstrated resilience and determination, securing their first win in this series after a challenging search for an initial score.
Captain Grace Okullo made a significant impact, scoring the first try for the Lionesses on the left wing despite a missed conversion attempt, establishing an early 5-0 lead. As halftime approached, the Lionesses forced Samoa into receiving a second yellow card, allowing Okullo to score once more, increasing the lead to 10-0 before the halftime whistle.
In the second half, Samoa’s Malia Nikalau capitalized on a defensive oversight from Kenya, narrowing the score to 10-5. Nevertheless, the Lionesses maintained their dominance; Naomi Amuguni added another try, bringing the score to 15-5. Okullo completed her hat trick shortly thereafter, finalizing the score at 20-5, which secured the victory for Kenya.
Now, the Lionesses prepare to face Poland later today at 7:30 PM. After finishing as runners-up to South Africa in last year’s Challenger Series final, the Lionesses are striving for a top-four finish to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament.
Advancement in this series is crucial, as the top eight teams from the initial rounds will progress to the third leg, scheduled for April 11-12 in Krakow, Poland. The top four teams will then qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament in Los Angeles on May 3-4, where they will compete for a placement in the prestigious HSBC SVNS circuit.
In summary, the Kenya Lionesses successfully commenced their Challenger Series with a notable victory over Samoa. The team’s offensive efforts, led by captain Grace Okullo, proved effective, resulting in a promising start. With a focus on securing a top-four finish, the Lionesses aim to continue their strong performance in upcoming matches.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
