T. NashipaeLionesses maul China in Challenger Series opener
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 12.01.24. | 12:46
The Lionesses will be looking to extend their fine run when they lock horns with table-toppers Czechia in their second match set for 1558 hrs
Kenya Lionesses are off to a flying start in their opening match of the Challenger Series ongoing at the Sevens Stadium in Dubai, opening their campaign with a win on Friday 12 January, 2024
The fierce ladies saw off China 17-12 to start their promotion hunt on a high.
The meeting was a repeat of the 2022 Challenger Series held in Chile, where Kenya narrowly defeated China 17-15 in the Pool D match played at the Estadio Santa Laura in Chile on August 12, 2022.
The side started off sluggish, committing basic handling errors that cost them a fortune. The Chinese ladies would capitalize on Kenya's disorganization, to see Keyi Chen go over with the first try of the match. She converted her try to see China take a 7-0 lead heading into half time.
The halftime pep talk seemed to have an impact on the Lionesses who came in breathing fire in the closing half.
Captain Grace Adhiambo led by example, dancing between China's defense to score her first try of the tournament. Her conversion attempt was successful to see the scores equalize at 7-7.
Her try served as a morale booster for the hard-hitting Lionesses who were now mercilessly tackling their opponents, forcing them to remain in their danger zone.
A series of passes followed and the ball landed on Stellah Wafula's hands. She did not hesitate to add five more points to the scoreboard. This time, Adhiambo's conversion sailed wide to see the scores at 12-7.
China scored one more unconverted try to raise the scores to 12-12.
Kenya lionesses pull a first one against China.
— Ministry Of Rugby (@MinistryOfRugby) January 12, 2024
Full time scores Lionesses 17-12 China#Shujaa#Lionesses#KeepingItFanatic
📷 @WorldRugby | Mike Turin pic.twitter.com/l32ps8ea9H
Judith Akumu added her name to the scoresheet with the final try for the Lionesses. Adhiambo missed the conversion to see the scores at 17-12 before referee Glana Viljoen blew the whistle to signal full time.
The win saw the Lionesses occupy second position on the log with three points. Czechia top the table with similar points following their 34-0 win over Mexico in the opening match.
The Lionesses will be looking to extend their fine run when they lock horns with table-toppers Czechia in their second match set for 1558 hrs.
They will wrap up their pool fixtures at 10:59 am on Saturday, January 13.
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