The Kenya Lionesses won their first-ever HSBC Challenger Series title by defeating Argentina 17-12 in the final held on March 2 at Athlone Sports Stadium. Captain Grace Adhiambo’s early try set the pace, and key performances from Judith Auma helped secure the victory, enhancing Kenya’s chances of achieving core status in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
The Kenya Lionesses clinched the HSBC Challenger Series title after a hard-fought 17-12 victory over Argentina on Sunday, March 2, at Athlone Sports Stadium. This triumph signifies a historic achievement for the team, as it marks their first-ever title in the Challenger Series, significantly enhancing their prospects of earning core status in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series.
In the final match, Captain Grace Adhiambo set the tone early with a try, slicing through Argentina’s defense and converting to give Kenya a 7-0 advantage. Argentina responded before halftime when Marianela Escalante capitalized on a loose ball within Kenya’s 22, kicking it ahead and scoring a try.
After the break, the Kenya Lionesses increased their intensity, pushing Argentina back into their half. Judith Auma bulldozed through defenders in the 11th minute to extend Kenya’s lead, scoring again shortly thereafter following a quick offload from Sinaida Nyachio, making it 17-5. Argentina closed the gap with a try from Candela Delgado, converted by Sofia Gonzalez, narrowing the score to 17-12.
Despite Argentina’s efforts, the Lionesses maintained their composure, forcing a turnover at the restart. As the match concluded, Nyachio booted the ball into touch, sealing a monumental victory for Kenya. Throughout the tournament, Kenya excelled, finishing at the top of Pool D with wins against Samoa (20-5) and Poland (29-7).
In the semifinals, the Lionesses showcased their resilience by overcoming a 0-10 deficit against South Africa to win 19-15. Key tries from Naomi Amuguni, Sharon Auma, and Freshia Oduor propelled the team to an impressive victory, setting up their remarkable final clash with Argentina.
The Kenya Lionesses have achieved a significant milestone by winning the HSBC Challenger Series title, marking their inaugural victory in this series. Their performance throughout the tournament exemplified their strength and determination, leading to a historic win that may secure their core status in future HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series. This achievement is a testament to the team’s growth and potential on the international rugby stage.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
