Kenya Lionesses clinch HSBC Challenger Series title in Cape Town
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 02.03.25. | 21:34
The team shifts focus to the second leg of the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series set for next weekend at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town
Kenya Lionesses have won HSBC Challenger Series after beating Argentina in the final played in Cape Town.
Their win is all that the team needed to secure a place in the third round set for next weekend at Athlone Stadium in Cape Town.
Lionesses began their campaign with a commanding 20-5 win over Samoa before overpowering Poland 29-5.
Their perfect group stage run set them up for a tough semifinal clash against hosts and favorites South Africa.
In a thrilling encounter, Kenya edged out the home side 19-15, booking their place in the final against Argentina.
The final saw Kenya face a familiar opponent, Argentina, whom they had narrowly beaten 15-12 at the Monaco 7s in June 2024.
Kenya kicked off, but Argentina held onto possession.
However, the Lionesses quickly regained control, with Judith Okumu making a strong drive forward before being stopped by the Argentine defense.
A swift exchange of passes saw the ball land in Grace Adhiambo’s hands, who sold a dummy and sliced through the defense for the first try of the game.
She converted her try, giving Kenya an early lead.
Argentina responded with a dangerous attacking move, but the Lionesses’ defense held firm.
Sinaida Mokaya attempted a kick and chase but was unable to capitalize.
A handling error from Kenya gifted Argentina a scrum, and they took full advantage with a well-executed kick and chased down the left wing.
They slipped past Sharon Auma to score their first try, though the conversion went wide.
The first half ended with Kenya maintaining a narrow lead.
The second half began with Argentina pushing hard, but an infringement saw Kenya regain possession.
From a scrum, the ever-reliable Okumu broke through, sprinting over 80 meters to score Kenya’s second try, but the conversion attempt was not successful.
Argentina struggled to find momentum, failing to execute a straight line-out, allowing Kenya to regain possession.
From another scrum, Mokaya set up Adhiambo, who crossed the whitewash for her second try of the match.
The conversion was once again unsuccessful, but Kenya was in control.
Argentina quickly responded with a converted try, keeping the game tense.
However, the Lionesses held their ground until the final whistle, sealing their victory and the HSBC Challenger Series title in Cape Town.
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