The Kenya Lionesses continued their strong run in the Challenger Series in Cape Town, securing back-to-back victories against Belgium and Uganda to top Pool A and advance to the semifinals.
Kenya opened their campaign in emphatic fashion, with Grace Adhiambo stealing the show in their 21-5 victory over Belgium on Friday evening. The captain was unstoppable in the first half, completing a sensational hattrick to set the tone for the Lionesses.
Adhiambo’s early try in the first minute came after sustained pressure inside the Belgian 22. Though she missed the conversion, she made amends soon after with a dazzling solo run to double Kenya’s lead. She then capped off a dominant first half with a stunning third try just before the break, sprinting past the Belgian defense from deep inside her own half.
Sinaida Nyachio converted the extras, sealing a comfortable win despite Belgium pulling one back in the second half through Femke Soens.
Chajira’s Extra-Time Heroics Sink Uganda
Saturday night’s clash against Uganda’s Lady Cranes proved to be a tougher test, but the Lionesses showed their resilience with a hard-fought 12-7 victory in extra time.
Adhiambo was once again instrumental, opening the scoring in the third minute after a well-timed quick tap at the edge of the Ugandan try line. Uganda hit back before halftime through Lydia Namabiro, leveling the scores in what turned into a tense encounter.
The second half saw both teams battle fiercely, with Kenya’s Sheila Chajira receiving a yellow card before Uganda’s Samira Ayikoru was sent off in the 17th minute. Despite a valiant defensive effort, Uganda’s resistance finally crumbled in extra time when Nyachio set up Chajira, who bulldozed her way over the try line for the winning score.
With these two wins, Kenya Lionesses sit atop Pool A with six points, securing their spot in the final four.
They now shift focus to the semifinals, where they will be eyeing a place in the Challenger Series final as they continue their quest for rugby sevens glory.
