Kenya Lionesses Triumph Over Samoa in Challenger Series Kickoff
The Kenya Lionesses achieved their first win in the Challenger Series, defeating Samoa 20-5. Captain Grace Okullo scored three tries, leading the team to a commanding victory. Their next match is against Poland, with aspirations for a top-four finish in the overall standings to qualify for the HSBC SVNS playoffs.
The Kenya National Women’s Rugby Sevens team, known as the Lionesses, commenced their Challenger Series campaign in Cape Town, South Africa, with a noteworthy victory over Samoa, securing a 20-5 win on March 1, 2025. Team captain Grace Okullo broke through Samoa’s defense to score the first try, giving Kenya an early lead of 5-0, despite a failed conversion effort.
As halftime approached, Kenya benefited from Samoa’s second yellow card, enabling Okullo to score again and extend the lead to 10-0, a margin they maintained until the interval. In the second half, Samoa’s Malia Nikalau exploited a defensive error to score, bringing the score to 10-5, but the Lionesses responded effectively.
Naomi Amuguni added another try, further extending Kenya’s lead to 15-5. Shortly after, Grace Okullo completed her hat trick, bringing the final score to 20-5, securing a solid victory for the Lionesses. Kenya will next compete against Poland at 7:30 PM later today, seeking to build momentum in the tournament.
Having previously encountered disappointment, falling 19-12 to South Africa in the last year’s Challenger Series final, the Lionesses are determined to finish in the top four this season. A top-four standing will grant them eligibility for the HSBC SVNS playoff tournament, where top teams will advance to compete in the next round scheduled for April 11-12 in Krakow, Poland.
In summary, the Kenya Lionesses successfully commenced their Challenger Series opening match with a decisive victory against Samoa. Their performance was marked by captain Grace Okullo’s hat trick, establishing a solid foundation for their upcoming matches. The team’s aspiration to secure a top-four finish will be a focal point as they advance in the tournament, aiming for a playoff berth in Los Angeles.
Original Source: www.tv47.digital
