Kenya’s national women’s rugby 7s team delivered a stellar performance on Sunday night, securing their first-ever World Challenger Series leg title in Cape Town. The Lionesses edged out Argentina 17-12 in a thrilling final to make history on the international stage.
Captain Grace Adhiambo set the tone for Kenya with an early try just three minutes into the match. Using her quick footwork, she weaved past two Argentine defenders before racing to the try line. Adhiambo then expertly slotted in the conversion, giving the Lionesses a strong start.
Argentina responded just before halftime through Marianela Escalante, who capitalized on a loose ball in Kenya’s 22. She cleverly nudged it past the hesitant Sinaida Nyachio before grounding it for a try, cutting Kenya’s lead to 7-5 at the break.
The Lionesses resumed the second half with relentless energy, pressuring Argentina and maintaining their attacking dominance. Their persistence paid off in the 11th minute when Judith Auma powered through the Argentine defense to extend Kenya’s lead.
Two minutes later, Auma struck again, securing her brace. Off a scrum deep in Argentina’s territory, Nyachio delivered a precise offload to Auma, who shrugged off two defenders before crossing the try line. Despite Freshia Oduor missing the conversion, Kenya held a comfortable advantage.
Argentina, however, fought back immediately. Candela Delgado touched down for their second try, and Sofia Gonzalez successfully converted, reducing Kenya’s lead to just five points with seconds left on the clock.
A tense finish ensued, but a crucial forced error from Argentina upon restart handed Kenya a scrum. With time already expired, Nyachio smartly booted the ball out of play, sealing the Lionesses’ remarkable victory and crowning them champions of the Cape Town leg.
Coach Dennis ‘Ironman’ Mwanja hailed his team’s resilience and tactical discipline, as the Lionesses celebrated their landmark triumph in the World Challenger Series.
