Grace Adhiambo hattrick propels Lionesses past Samoa in Challenger Series opener

Kenya Lionesses kicked off their Challenger Series campaign in style, securing a commanding 20-5 victory over Samoa in a physical encounter played on Saturday 1 March in Cape Town.

Grace Adhiambo was the standout performer, scoring a hat-trick to propel Kenya to a confident start.

The match started with Kenya’s kick-off through Adhiambo, but they struggled to gain possession in the opening moments as Samoa applied pressure.

The Pacific Islanders sought to relieve themselves with a tactical kick for a lineout, but their momentum was cut short by a solid Adhiambo tackle.

Kenya won possession through a scrum, fed by the talented Judith Okumu.

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However, a missed pass by speedster Sharon Auma squandered a promising opportunity, handing Samoa the ball.

The Kenyans however quickly forced a turnover, allowing Adhiambo to find space on the left wing and race clear for the first try.

The conversion attempt fell short, but Kenya led 5-0.

Samoa’s brief spell of possession was disrupted by a strong defensive effort from Kenya, who won the ball back.

The Lionesses nearly extended their lead but were slow in execution. However, their relentless pressure forced Samoa into indiscipline, leading to a second yellow card for the opponents.

A poor lineout from Samoa handed Kenya a scrum, and after a brilliant display of passing, Adhiambo struck again just before halftime.

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The Lionesses went into the break leading 10-0.

Kenya paid for holding onto the ball early in the second half, as Samoa capitalized on the mistake to score their first try of the game.

However, the Lionesses responded almost immediately.

Naomi Amuguni finished off a well-worked try following an impressive series of passes. The conversion attempt once again fell short, but Kenya extended their lead to 15-5.

Adhiambo then sealed her hat-trick in spectacular fashion, breaking through the middle and slicing past Samoa’s defense to put the game beyond reach.

Samoa attempted to respond, but time was against them, and referee Alexandra Ferre officiating her first Challenger Series match, blew the final whistle.

This victory adds to Kenya’s dominance over Samoa, having beaten them 31-5 in last year’s Olympic repechage tournament in Monaco.

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The Lionesses are drawing inspiration from last year’s heartbreak when they fell 19-12 to South Africa in the Challenger Series final.

That narrow defeat has fueled their determination to go all the way this time, and their opening performance sends a strong statement of intent.